Next chapter :) Thought I'd bring in more characters :D

The Typist: Thank you very much, I'm glad you love this story so far :D

R: Aww no you can't mean that! I'm sure he'll come round in time ;)

Luigia: Hahaha you shall have to read on to know, you don't get any special exceptions because you're my awesome friend you know... ;) Love ya review as always xD

Aimee: Thank you for being more gentle ;) Haha yep it will make me write a little quicker though :p and glad you liked it, thanks for your review!

Enjoy!

Chapter Twelve (Arthur's POV):

Reaching the Throne Room, both Merlin and Arthur stumbled into it at the same time.

Arthur realised that he'd not even asked Merlin how well his wife had taken it that her best friend was a sorcerer.

Disappointed - at having to either execute or banish a friend?

Angry - at Merlin for keeping it a secret?

Happy - that the mystery of Merlin had been solved?

...Were those feelings of Gwen or his own?

Arthur had always wondered at the two personas of his friend. One - an idiot servant. Two - a wise man.

Now here was an answer.

Gwen turned and raised her eyebrows at both her husband and her friend as they quickly stood up straight and pretended like they had just come into the room aimlessly.

"Hello dear. How has your day been?"

Gwen smiled "Full of surprises."

Arthur turned accusingly to Merlin, before turning back.

"Umm Guinevere, there is a matter of most importance we need to discuss, it's - "

"Merlin's magic."

"Err yes. Merlin's magic. Merlin says I told you, but I most certainly did not, so who - "

"Oh please Arthur, I am not naive. Anyone possessing common sense could see that Merlin was shouldering a great burden in fear, and I merely resolved to find out what it was. Gaius told me that you were as safe in his hands than any other's and I wondered why - he is not very skilled with a sword, we must all admit - until it just seemed to fall into place." Gwen smiled at Merlin. "I have told him we will do our utmost to accept his like into Camelot."

Arthur remained speechless until her last words caught up with him. "You - I - what?"

Gwen trained her solemn eyes on him. "Surely you must thank Merlin publicly, I mean, I assume you have done so privately already."

Merlin spoke up. "Assume is the right word, my lady."

Gwen frowned, looking to Arthur for an explanation.

"I - I do not know what to do."

"You should listen to what he has to say, Arthur. It's very enlightening."

Arthur opened his mouth - to say what, he didn't know - when the doors came crashing open and the knights of Camelot rushed in, Leon leading.

"Sire! my lady," He bowed to Gwen "There have been sightings of a witch crossing the border between Odin's territory and Camelot's. She is said to be very...ferocious, and is determined to destroy all in her path."

Arthur's eyes met Merlin's. "Can it be...?"

Merlin shook his head. "No...No. I'm the dragonlord! Aithusa should have - She should have killed her! You don't think Morgana's harmed her?"

Leon started, exclaiming "You're the what?" Percival growled "Morgana's back?" while at the same time Gwaine raised his eyebrows suggestively "Who's Aithusa?"

Leon rounded on him "We've just learnt that Merlin is a DRAGONLORD, and you want to know who a random girl is?"

Gwaine sniffed "Fair lady's are my forte."

Percival rolled his eyes "Trust you to think about damsels in distress, Gwaine."

"You do realise you're all talking about a dragon, don't you?" Arthur offered helpfully, with a twitch of his lips, effectively stopping their chatter.

"You should listen to Merlin." Gwen demanded and Arthur found himself agreeing before snapping his head out of nodding.

He needed to assert his authority!

"I think we should listen to Merlin."

All eyes turned to him and he stared back for a moment before shrugging, and trying his best to remain regal despite being exhausted by the day's events.

Merlin swallowed, and then, with a quick flick of his eyes to all members of the room, he straightened his shoulders and said "Let's start from the beginning."

If anyone was going to get them out of this alive, it was Merlin: the sorcerer, servant, dragonlord and god knows what else.

Isn't that what he always did?

Except for the series finale -_-

Please review :D