Arthur walked down the halls at the rear of the castle as casually as he could manage. Ever since Morgana's betrayal his father had been especially tough on him and his brother, they had guards at practically every turn. Their rooms were even guarded every hour of the day. It was worse for Merlin of course because of the whole 'born with magic' problem Uther had become paranoid of Merlin going the same way as Morgana and had guards actually follow him. This had made studying his spells or practice impossible and Arthur knew how jumpy Merlin got when he magic had to be bottled up. The youngest prince had been reduced to sneaking around his own home just to get a little peace and quiet.

Arthur, knowing Merlin better than his guards ever could, found all his hiding places fairly quickly, he did his best to sneak him food so he wouldn't have to risk being seen but it was risky. Quickly checking that nobody was following him he ducked into a guest room nobody was using, well not sleeping in anyway. Merlin was seated on the floor against the bed, magic book in hand mumbling words under his breath By the stillness of the room what ever spell he was trying was failing.

"Your guards have gone mental" Arthur noted chucking Merlin a bun, 'If father finds out they lost you he'll send out knights and search parties"

"What do you want me to do?" Merlin asked through a mouthful of bread, "I can't stand being watched every second of the day, it's like having stalkers"

"He has gotten very...extreme since, well..."

"Morgana" Merlin finished cooly, Arthur hated how cold and unfeeling his voice became when talking about her, he nodded.

...

"Father these guards and restrictions are driving us mad!" Arthur complained for the third time, "It's bad enough for me but Merlin can barely go anywhere or do anything anymore"

"If Morgana was taken by magic imagine how much easier it would be for Merlin to be tempted in the same way" Uther replied, not looking up from his paper work.

"If you keep this up you are only going to create a rift" Arthur sighed, "Merlin has already resorted to sneaking around the castle just so he can have some time alone"

Uther looked up at Arthur to respond but his reply was cut off by a yell of rage from outside his door.

"I'm only going across the courtyard you don't need to escort me! I don't care what the king says, just leave, me, ALONE!"

By the echo Merlin down the other end of the hallway, Arthur gave his father a look.

"This is the same prince who gives his extra food to servant" Arthur pointed out, "You know the calm, wise, quiet one"

"Perhaps having him watched 24 hours a day was a bit harsh" Uther sighed

At that moment Merlin entered the room, slamming the door behind him before either of his 'protectors' could follow him inside.

"Father if they don't stop following me I swear I'm writing to Godwyn and asking him to hide me!" The young prince panted, obviously he had ran down the corridor in a desperate attempt to escape the guards.

"I am only trying to keep you safe, both of you" Uther rebutted, anger rising up in his voice, "You were close to Morgana, who is to say that what Morgause couldn't get to you two?"

Merlin stared at Uther with cold eyes, Arthur could practically hear the cogs in his head whirling round, Merlin was thinking hard about something.

"Because we wont" He said finally

"You can't know that!" Uther snapped, "How could you?"

"Because I hate magic!" Merlin yelled, looking at the floor, fists curled up. Arthur had to give him credit, he almost believed him himself. It worried him that Merlin was such a good liar, he just hoped he was never on the receiving end of his tales.

"It took Morgana, I hate it" Merlin continued, still not looking at either Arthur or Uther, his voice shook. Arthur knew his father would think it was out of sadness for Morgana but the prince knew better. Merlin didn't hate magic he hated pretending. Merlin stepped out of the room after that, he may be a good liar but even he had limits.

"Tell he guards they can leave him be" Uther sighed, Arthur felt a sort of revulsion at the proud look on the kings face due to what Merlin had said.

Arthur didn't bother saying goodbye to his father before leaving the room, quickly ordering the men to let Merlin be on the kings orders. As expected he found merlin curled up against the headboard of his bed, like he always was when he was upset. He could see his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"That was hard" Arthur surmised quietly, Merlin nodded, "I'm sorry it has to be this way"

"He was happy about what I said, wasn't he" Merlin answered bitterly, Arthur didn't answer. He realized all too late it was as good as agreeing.

"It will be even worse now that Morgana has betrayed us" Merlin continued to sulk, "I tried to stop her"

"I know" Arthur replied, trying to think of something reassuring, "I've got an idea"

"Yeah?"

"Tomorrow lets leave for a while, go hunting for a few days, get away from father" Arthur suggested, he knew it wasn't great but it was better than nothing. To his surprise that made Merlin laugh. Not bitterly, really laugh.

"Alright, anything to get out of the castle" He smiled, "Finally I can go somewhere without people following me!"

Arthur sighed, he couldn't believe that worked. Ever since the incident with Sigan he was becoming more and more aware of how much pressure Merlin carried, not only with his destiny as Emrys, but having to hide who he was. He remembered Merlin telling him all about Emrys after the dragon had explained it to him years ago, before the beasts betrayal. He wondered where it was now...

I'm back from camp! So the updates will be coming in!

Many of you are wondering what is going to break Uther since it wasn't Morgana, don't worry I can't wait to write it!

I did this short chapter to show that even though his spirit didn't break, Uther is beginning to crack slightly. Also I was really tired and couldn't think of anything else XD