Sorry it's been so long. It may be awhile before the next update too :( Hopefully not too long though.

Thank you to everyone who is keeping up with this and especially to those who comment!

"Where did you get this information?" Uther leaned forward over the table.

Arthur hesitated and resisted the urge to yawn. He had spent the rest of the night reading through Gaius' books with Merlin's help. Merlin hadn't wanted to be left alone so Arthur took him along. But Arthur had been surprised when Merlin took to flipping through books too. In fact, it was Merlin that pointed out the picture of the insects while Arthur flipped through a book. Having found the resources for the illness, he tried to plan the sorcerer's capture. He finally woke Leon for strategic help, fully expecting that Leon would have this exact question. Instead, Leon had taken it all in stride, revealing that he had known all along that Arthur was taking care of Merlin. It had suddenly made sense to Arthur why Leon had taken on so many duties leaving Arthur with more free time.

He had two options now: admit that he got help from Merlin or try to convince his father that he simply figured it out from Gaius' letter. The problem was that if he tried to keep Merlin out of it, he wouldn't be able to explain how he knew about Edwin – the main reason he had asked to take an additional patrol of knights to Gaius. Maybe he could deemphasize Merlin's role in this? "I had some help. The source isn't important. We just need to – "

"You expect me to act on unconfirmed information from an unknown source?" Uther pushed away from the table and stood. He didn't even try to hide his disappointment and Arthur hated that. "Arthur, I know you are young but I had hoped you had outgrown such naivety. People will always approach you with what they claim is valuable information or advice hoping to gain your favor. You must always be on your guard."

Arthur quashed the urge to roll his eyes. "I trust this person. They have firsthand experience with this man and his magic."

Uther narrowed his eyes at Arthur. Arthur knew that meant his father's patience had run out. "Merlin recognized the symptoms from Gaius' letter."

Uther looked to be digesting that information… and growing unhappier by the second. "Is this that boy you rescued?"

Arthur nodded and tried to hide his growing unease. "Where is the boy?"

He swallowed. "I have been watching him since Gaius left. I promise I haven't neglected any of my duties – "

"Are you telling me that you deliberately ignored my instructions? What makes you think that you are ready to care for a child, much less a child with that background? You don't know anything about him, Arthur! You already saved his life! You owe him nothing! Have you stopped to think about how it will affect the boy when he leaves? No doubt you have pampered him; what will it be like for him when he learns that this is not his station in life? I called you naïve just now, but you are proving yourself a fool."

Arthur felt the weight of his father's disappointment but only because he realized how little his father thought of him. Where Gaius had tempered his encouragement with caution, Uther didn't even want Arthur to try. He swallowed his hurt; he had already made his decision regarding Merlin. Perhaps when he first agreed to take him, or maybe when Merlin first smiled at him, or even when Merlin finally spoke his name; it didn't matter. Merlin needed him and he planned to keep him. Steeling himself, he met his father's eyes. "I intend to keep Merlin, Sire. I have managed this far. I can learn what I need to know about raising him. Or perhaps I should use your approach and find him a nurse?" He ignored his father's attempt to interrupt. Uther's face was changing colors. Recognizing that he was pushing his father, he brought the important matter back to attention. "I have established a rapport with him. He has been nothing but honest with me regarding his past and without him, we would not be able to respond to this threat." He stopped. Uther had calmed… slightly.

"We will discuss this further, Arthur, however, you are right about one thing. We must deal with this threat. Where is the boy now?"

Arthur felt his heart stop. Did his father think Merlin was a threat? Something must have shown in his expression because Uther didn't wait for an answer. "For now I only mean to speak to him about this information, Arthur. We can resolve the other matter once this is dealt with."

Arthur fervently hoped that was true. "Do you really need to interrogate him? I have told you all he told me. He may be too scared –"

Uther stepped closer. "I will hear this for myself, Arthur. Where is the boy?"

"He is in my room. I left him with Leon though by now Morgana should be with them."

Uther began to walk from the room. Arthur followed him quickly. "Wait, Sire, Merlin may not speak to you. He hasn't spoken to anyone else." He wondered if he should have phrased it differently.

"If he has recovered enough to speak to you then he will answer me. I am his king! He will speak to me so that I can decide if the information about this so called Edwin is true."

Arthur stopped himself from answering that Merlin hadn't really spoken yet. If he told about the mind communication, Merlin would be executed for magic. What if Merlin revealed his magic in front of Uther? He needed to warn Merlin before Uther arrived. He scrambled for an excuse to gain time. "At least let me bring him to you, or to talk to him. I can prepare him for– "

Uther rounded on him. "You will do no such thing! What is wrong with you, Arthur? Have you lost all sense? If he has spoken the truth then he requires no preparation." Uther stilled and watched Arthur carefully. "Ever since you rescued this boy, you have become quite rebellious, Arthur."

Before Arthur could deny it, Uther continued. "And not just yourself. Morgana, Gaius, even Katrina have all risen to his defense since meeting him." He signaled to his guards and Arthur found himself restrained.

"Father, what are you –?"

"It's almost as if you've been bewitched." Arthur felt his stomach drop. Had he saved Merlin only to bring him to his death?

"I will have the truth, Arthur. You will not interfere or his life will be forfeit. Do you understand?" Uther watched him closely. Arthur knew he was cornered. He would not condemn Merlin. He could only hope Merlin would be able to answer. "Yes."

Despite his agreement, Arthur was not released. The guards held him by the arms all the way to his chambers. Arthur felt like a recalcitrant child being escorted to his room. Uther didn't even bother to knock; instead throwing the doors open forcefully and stunning everyone inside.

Leon quickly stood up alongside the table, frowning when he saw Arthur restrained. Gwen and Morgana put down the cloth they were holding, Morgana already reaching for Merlin who was frozen just steps away from Uther. Arthur tried to hold his gaze to reassure him but Merlin was already staring in fright at Uther.

"What's going on?" Uther ignored Morgana's question in favor of taking a step towards Merlin. Merlin backed away slowly until his back reached the chest and slid down to hug his knees. Arthur could see him trembling.

"Boy, I mean you no harm. What is your name?" Arthur noticed that Uther was speaking more gently than usual. Even so, as soon as he spoke, Merlin ducked his head and fixed his eyes on Arthur, pleading silently for help. Arthur tried to send reassuring feelings to him.

Morgana stalked forward. "Uther, you are scaring him! What is the meaning of this?"

Uther held her back from Merlin. "Morgana, you will not interfere in this. He has given Arthur information and I will hear it for myself to judge the truth of it. Sir Leon, keep her away. If she cannot behave, remove her from the room."

This was escalating too quickly. Arthur spoke up. "Father, she just – "

"The same applies to you, Arthur. If you cannot restrain yourself, you will be removed."

Everyone's attention was drawn to Merlin as he whimpered. Slowly, he crawled to Uther's feet and placed his head on Uther's boots. Arthur saw Uther's surprise before he hid it. He stepped back and spoke calmly once again.

"That is not necessary. All I require is that you answer me with the truth. Sit up, boy."

Merlin sat back on his heels but didn't look up. Arthur could see how he braced himself. Merlin's hands kept clenching on his trousers only to release almost immediately. He kept his head bowed. His shoulders were up ever so slightly in defensive position and it made Arthur sad him so resigned all over again.

Uther spoke again. "Do you know who I am, boy?"

Merlin began to nod, then shook his head. Arthur decided he must be confused. He had called Uther "father" and Morgana had named him, but Merlin had never met him. If he hadn't noticed the crown, he might not even know that Uther was the king.

"I am Uther Pendragon, king of Camelot." Merlin tensed until it seemed the slightest startle would send him flying. "You told Arthur that you understood what Gaius wrote about. I need you to tell me what you know about this magic user, Edwin, and the illnesses in the outer villages."

Arthur saw Morgana look at him but he could only focus on Merlin, who remained kneeling, silent, at Uther's feet. Arthur could see Merlin trying to speak. His mouth opened but no sounds came. He looked at Arthur pleadingly and Arthur saw the tears already falling.

"Father, he's too afraid. Let me – "

"I will not warn you again, Arthur." Uther turned back to Merlin and spoke sharply. "Stand up, boy, and look at me."

Merlin quickly stood up but his head ducked down. He was shaking harder.

"I am your king, boy! Look at me and tell me what you know." Merlin merely shook his head. The silence in the room was stifling. Uther reached down and forced Merlin's chin up only to have Merlin clench his eyes closed. Uther gave him an angry shake. "Boy, if do not answer me, then I will have to assume that you gave us false information. Is that why you refuse to answer? Are you a liar? Look at me!"

"Uther, can't you see – " Leon pulled Morgana back, interrupting her. It looked like she would soon explode.

Arthur felt the same. He couldn't stand to see all the progress Merlin had made wiped away by his father's unnecessary interrogation. It had taken days for him to meet Arthur's eyes. Arthur remembered, suddenly, that Merlin had been trained to never look up. If only he could explain. "Father, he can't! He's not –" Arthur trailed off when Katrina walked in, worry plain on her face. If anyone could calm his father now, it would be her. Uther had not yet seen her, crouched as he was over a shaking Merlin.

She took in the scene quickly and Arthur saw her gaze freeze on Merlin. He looked over and noticed with a sinking heart that Merlin's terror had overwhelmed him.

Uther still hadn't noticed the growing puddle at his feet.

Katrina, thunder in her expression, marched straight over to Uther and forced him to release Merlin who slowly sank to his knees and bowed his head. Arthur saw him flush in shame. "Uther Pendragon! Have you taken leave of your senses?"

Uther's angry expression faltered under her steely gaze. "Katrina, what - ?"

"Can you not see the boy is terrified? Or do you simply not care? Just look at him!"

Uther did look, the anger leaving his expression upon noticing the puddle. He stepped back and swallowed. Arthur was struck by the realization that though his father questioned his ability to deal with Merlin, it was really Uther who was incapable of it. He looked at Merlin and saw that Merlin looked ready to faint. It looked like he had stopped breathing. He needed to get everyone out, now. "Father, please. Let's take this outside."

Uther's jaw worked for a moment. He nodded. The guards let go of Arthur and he gestured for everyone to leave. He knew from Morgana's expression that she was intent on finding out what had caused this event.

Arthur intended to stay with Merlin, but his father gestured him out too. He wanted to comfort Merlin, but for now, "Guinevere, Leon, please remain with Merlin and… "Leon nodded. Arthur made his way out and gently pulled the doors closed. He followed his father back to the throne room.

"You never told me Merlin was speaking. I knew he was getting better, but it would have been nice to try talking with him."

Arthur and Morgana were making their way back to Arthur's rooms. He sighed. This had all gotten messier than expected. He didn't like lying to Morgana but he also didn't want to burden her with this secret. "He hasn't spoken much and I think he only spoke up because he saw I was worried. I pressed him to keep talking. I didn't think this all would happen. He's probably never going to talk to me again."

Morgana wove her arm through his. "He will. It may take some time, but he trusts you. If anything, he is going to be scared of Uther forever now."

Arthur shook his head. There were too many complications from all of this. Why Uther thought that Merlin would react differently during the arranged dinner was beyond him. He knew that Uther was going to use it as an opportunity to interrogate Merlin again. It had taken weeks for Merlin to say one word… there was no way he'd be able to answer questions. It didn't matter. This time, Arthur would do whatever he needed to do to protect Merlin. He was not going to let Uther terrify Merlin again.

The dinner was weeks away. First, he had to deal with Edwin. And that meant, "Morgana, I need your help again." They paused at his door.

She patted his arm. "I know. I'll have Gwen prepare everything tonight. Just bring him in the morning. He's going to need you tonight, at least."

Arthur nodded. "I'm going to ask Leon to hang around too. I want Merlin to know he is still safe. Just don't… Don't push him to do anything he's not ready for, Morgana. I know you want to play with him and show him off, but he's still fragile. Especially after today."

"Don't worry so much, Arthur. I'll be nicer to him that you were to me when I first came." She stuck her tongue out at him.

He remembered those times; he never told her that he had been bratty on purpose. Seeing her angry and vengeful had been better than seeing her crying after her father. He stuck his tongue out at her and pushed the doors open.

To see Leon and Gwen flat on the floor, on their bellies, with their heads under the bed. There was no sign of Merlin.

Leon popped his head out and quickly stood up. "He's hiding under there and we can't reach him. He's still panicking. Maybe you can calm him?"

Arthur looked under the bed. Merlin was huddled tightly and gasping for air like he was drowning. He could smell vomit. Grimacing, he stood back up.

"Guinevere, perhaps you could warm a small bath for him before helping Morgana. Leon, help me move the bed."

In moments, Arthur was able to sit next to Merlin in the cramped space between the bed and wall. Merlin didn't seem to be aware anymore and Arthur was afraid that he was completely lost in memories. He gently gathered Merlin to himself and rubbed his back. Merlin whimpered but didn't try to get away. His breathing was still irregular. Gwen looked over and whispered "Try patting him. Give him a rhythm to breathe to."

He tried it. It took several long minutes but eventually Merlin's breathing deepened and he seemed to realize where he was. Merlin uncurled slightly but wouldn't meet Arthur's eyes.

Arthur sighed. "Everything is fine, Merlin. You're safe now. Just relax." He thought Merlin might finally uncurl or fall asleep. He hadn't slept the night before and the morning's experience would have worn him out.

Merlin did uncurl. In a heartbeat, he found himself being somewhat strangled by a sobbing Merlin. Arthur grimaced a bit at the wetness on his neck, and the slight heat on Merlin's forehead. He resumed rubbing Merlin's back and sat there whispering reassurances. He had long ago lost feeling in his legs by the time that Merlin's sobs had faded into occasional hiccups, his body finally losing the tension it had held for so long. He still trembled slightly, though Arthur suspected that would only stop when he got some sleep.

Looking down, he saw Merlin was still awake though his glassy eyes were half closed and unfocused. Slowly, and awkwardly, he stood up and tried not to aggravate the pins and needles in his legs. Gwen gestured to the table where she had placed the bath and a fluffy towel. Leon was standing quietly by the window. Arthur was surprised to see the day was past noon. He had a lot of preparations to make and little time left.

When Arthur felt steady, he moved to the table and set to the task of washing Merlin. Merlin hardly responded, his exhaustion was so complete. Behind him, Gwen cleaned the sick under his bed and helped Leon move it back to its place. She left and returned with a dinner tray. After collecting Merlin's clothes, she took her leave. Leon left too, whispering that he would return later.

With the room empty, Arthur found himself speaking to Merlin. He said nothing in particular, just repeated various assurances that Merlin was safe now. He expected Merlin to fall asleep any moment, but Merlin remained conscious. Eventually his eyes focused on Arthur again though he still wouldn't look at Arthur's face. He didn't respond to Arthur's questions.

The quick bath left Merlin shivering and Arthur was afraid that the slight fever was getting worse. He retrieved his warmest shirt and bundled Merlin inside it. He helped Merlin sip some broth and was settling him into the nest of blankets on his bed when there was a quiet knock. The sound startled Merlin and he gripped Arthur's sleeves. Shushing him and picking him back up, Arthur called out "Enter."

To his surprise, Katrina entered. She stood a respectful distance from the bed and left the door open behind her. "Arthur. How is Merlin doing?"

Katrina had been key in getting Uther to both trust Merlin's information and postpone the interrogation until Arthur returned. He was surprised – and grateful – for her help. He smiled at her and came close. Merlin was holding tightly to Arthur and trembling but he didn't cry or whimper.

"Merlin, this is Katrina. Can you shake her hand?"

He didn't respond.

"He's exhausted himself. He helped me research last night and, well, today has been…"

Katrina shook her head. "Overwhelming?"

"To say the least. He could use some rest. Was there something you needed?"

She held out a small bottle. "Gaius makes this for me. It's an aromatic ointment – very soothing. I thought Merlin could use some of it."

Arthur took the bottle and tried to open it. Katrina took it back and opened it for him. He sniffed it. His nose and lungs felt like they were opening and the scent was very soothing. He remembered Gaius using this on him when he had nightmares as a small child. He smiled. "Thank you. I think it will help. I will have Morgana return it to you tomorrow, if that's alright?"

Katrina handed him the bottle and patted his hand. "Not at all. Keep it. Merlin has more need of it, and will probably need it during your trip." She lightly patted Merlin's head.

Another knock announced Leon's return. "Well, I bid you goodnight, Arthur. Goodnight, Sir Leon."

"Goodnight, Lady Katrina." Leon closed the door behind her. "How is he?"

To Arthur's surprise, Merlin unburied his head from Arthur's shirt. He chanced a glance at Leon, avoiding his face, before settling back against Arthur. Leon's eyebrows raised.

"He's exhausted. Merlin, do you remember Leon?" Merlin didn't respond but Arthur got the sense that he was more at ease with Leon than Katrina.

"Arthur, I've made all of the necessary arrangements for your trip. Everyone will be ready to leave at first light."

Arthur felt relieved. "Thank you, Leon. I would have had to rush around just now."

"It's no problem, Arthur. Like I told you this morning, I know you have someone else to take care of first."

"You never did tell me how you figured it out."

Leon had a guilty look on his face. "I followed you after you ordered us to wait. I told Owain to make camp and make it look like we were all together, but I couldn't leave you alone."

Arthur turned away to hide his nervousness. "What did you see?"

"Enough. I lost you when you rode off with Merlin that morning but by then I knew anyway."

Arthur settled his arm around Merlin protectively. "Are you going to tell my father?"

"Arthur, by now I would have hoped you know where my loyalties lie." He came to stand in front of Arthur. "I will follow your lead."

Arthur was a little shaken by the depth of Leon's loyalty. He had always trusted Leon, but this loyalty – it was more than he deserved. He stood a little taller. "Thank you, Leon." He placed his hand on Leon's shoulder. "Will you watch over him, while I am gone? Morgana and Gwen will take care of him but I hope if he has you around, then maybe he won't feel as abandoned. That there is still someone to protect him."

Leon bowed his head like he was accepting a command. "Of course." Leon patted Merlin's head. "I'll protect you too, Merlin."

"Thank you, Leon. For your loyalty."

Leon bowed and began walking out. "You earned it, Arthur. I have seen a lot and I know whom I serve. Merlin will be safe with us, so you return to us safely too."

Arthur stood a moment longer, staring at the closed doors. The day had been too long and he felt it now. There would be no rest, no real rest, until he returned. Even then, there were looming challenges. He took a deep breath.

He placed Merlin in his nest and prepared the room for bed. Since it was so early, there were no candles lit so he lit just one next to Merlin's side of the bed. He gathered Merlin to him and spread Gaius' ointment on his forehead and chest. Merlin still had not fallen asleep and Arthur was sure that he was just hanging on to make sure Arthur didn't leave him.

He settled back and rubbed Merlin's back. "I'm leaving tomorrow, Merlin. No, no, don't cry. I'm going to go help Gaius and taking more knights. I can't take you with me. It will be too dangerous and the travel would be too much. While I'm gone, Morgana and Gwen will take care of you. You heard Leon. He's going to watch over you too. You'll be perfectly safe."

Merlin seemed too strung out to properly cry. He clung to Arthur as silent tears soaked Arthur's shirt. Arthur hugged him tightly. "I'm not abandoning you, Merlin. Don't think that. I will come back, I promise. It should only be for a few days. As soon as I come back, we'll deal with everything that happened today." Arthur felt Merlin hide his face. "It wasn't your fault, Merlin. I don't think any less of you. You tried, Merlin, and that's what matters to me. Don't let this be what holds you back. You were brave to tell me what you did and I'm proud of you for it. Just like I'm proud of you for getting better. While I'm gone, I want you to keep getting better and stronger. Will you promise me that?"

Arthur was afraid Merlin wouldn't respond. That he was too far gone from the day's stress. It took a while, but eventually, Merlin nodded. Arthur took Gwen's advice and patted Merlin's back steadily. "Thank you, Merlin. Now get some rest. It's been a long day." He felt Merlin shake his head. A quick glance told him Merlin was still crying. "I'm not leaving yet, Merlin. I'll be here when you wake up. Sleep, Merlin."

Arthur had no idea how Merlin held out as long as he did. The sun had completely set by the time Merlin's body stopped trembling and his breathing eased. He contemplated settling Merlin back into his nest but decided that tonight Merlin would need all the comfort he could get. With that thought, he let himself drift off.

Morgana was glad that Gwen spent the night in the anteroom. She woke to the sounds of Gwen stoking the fire. The day was still dark and the room cold. "Good morning, Gwen."

Gwen opened curtains. "Good morning, milady."

"What time is Arthur leaving?" Morgana sat up. Gwen brought her a robe.

"Soon, I think. Sir Leon said first light." Just then there was a knock on the door. Gwen opened it and Arthur stepped through. Merlin looked so small in Arthur's arms, she thought. Merlin appeared to still be asleep. Gwen gestured to the small cot they had prepared for Merlin. Morgana watched Arthur gently lay Merlin on it, and tuck him in carefully. Surprisingly, he then placed a light kiss on Merlin's forehead.

"I told him I would be there when he woke up but he's so peaceful. I don't have the heart to wake him." He stood up. "Take good care of him, Morgana."

Morgana was a little surprised at Arthur's earnestness. She knew he had a good heart but never before had she seen Arthur openly wear his affections. Growing up with Uther as a father had taught Arthur to hide his feelings. She could see, now, that she wasn't alone in fighting Uther's emotional constipation. On impulse she hugged Arthur. "I will. Now go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll return. Be safe, Arthur. For Merlin."

"Thank you, Morgana. Thank you, Guinevere." He kissed her hand and left. Gwen went to get breakfast.

Morgana sat on the edge of Merlin's cot. She was surprised to see tears flowing down his cheeks. She lightly wiped them away. "Merlin? Are you awake?" She wondered why he would pretend to sleep when Arthur left. Or perhaps he woke right after. He hiccupped. "Oh, Merlin. You just missed Arthur." He didn't open his eyes but the tears continued. She glanced out the window. She could just begin to see the light fill the courtyard. She thought she could still see the patrol. "Come, Merlin." She picked him up and ran to the window. She pulled it open.

She was right, Arthur was just mounting his horse. "There he is, Merlin. Do you want to say goodbye?" Taking a deep breath, she called "Arthur!"

When he spotted them, she waved. "Now, Merlin!"

Merlin leant forward and held out his hand. She stumbled as she felt something sweep around her. She tightened her hold on Merlin and he leaned against her. Arthur waved one last time, then turned and rode out.

They stood there until the sun rose fully and Gwen returned. As she closed the window, Morgana felt sure that Merlin would have stood at the window until Arthur returned.