Yep, I know, I'm sorry for being slow, but I was in Cyprus soaking up the sunshine :D But I'm back and shall continue! Sorry that this is a bit short, but that's the way my fingers type I suppose.

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Chapter Fourteen (Merlin's POV):

Merlin left the sack of dresses in the corner of the room still annoyed how he hadn't been more perceptive, then sat at the table with a sigh, while Arthur paced the room.

Truth be told, of course Merlin knew the spell for unlocking the door, but it felt like the 'mysteriously' locked door had been a sign for something to happen between himself and Arthur.

"Arthur, we'll just have to wait until someone comes and realises we're locked in here, then they'll inform Gaius, and we'll be out before you know it."

Arthur shook his head, muttering to himself.

"Arthur, it's no big deal." Merlin soothed, but Arthur just stared at him with a pained expression.

After a moment's silence, Merlin sat up in frustration. "Look, if it really bothers you to be in the same room as me, I'm sure you'd be able to kick that door down anyway, it's practically rotted away."

"No, no, that's not - I mean, you're...It's not what you think." Arthur finished weakly.

Merlin frowned. "What's not what I think?"

"You're my closest friend, Merlin."

Merlin started, never hearing those words come out of the king before, but Arthur continued, as if he needed to say these words before he cracked.

"God knows when I began to actually like you, I mean you've always been sort of an idiot - even now when I know you're a sorcerer - and you're my servant, but you somehow broke through. And now that your secret's coming out to everyone...Things are going to change."

"We can work through the changes together, Arthur. Trust me, I've not changed!"

"It's not just personal Merlin, it's also public. The whole kingdom will alter, sorcerers - good and evil - coming to the forefront demanding justice, retribution, revenge. Everyone else will be frightened, will look to me for help, guidance, assurance on threats given by my father against sorcerers - how am I to deal with this?!"

Merlin stood up and put his hands on Arthur's shoulders. "You are not alone. Gwen and I will be by your side."

"You know you'll play a prominent part in this, as the figurehead of sorcerers, the nearest to the king?"

"Seriously Arthur, no matter how arrogant you were before, I believe you were always destined for greatness, and don't you think that the merging of normal humans and sorcerers in Camelot is a great - monumental - change? You married a servant girl, and everyone became besotted by her. Who knows what their reaction would have been to Uther doing the same? Not nearly as welcoming I think. My point is that Arthur Pendragon is loved among his people, and because of this, they love and respect his actions. Sure, there will be some - sorcerers and humans alike - who will reject this, but with Gwen and I and all the knights supporting you, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and hopefully bring them round to our side. I believe in you Arthur."

Merlin finished with his hands by his sides and his king looked at him with part astonishment, part admiration in his eyes.

"Merlin, uh...well...I can't believe throughout all of your drabbles, you can say something as inspiring as this."

"Just one of my many hidden talents."

Merlin made to turn away, but, to his surprise, he was pulled into an instantaneous hug.

"I really don't know what to say to you, nothing could describe what I'm feeling now, but...thank you. I'm sure everything will turn out well in the end."

A resounding BOOM shook the chamber.

(Arthur's POV):

Arthur drew back instantly, while Merlin hurried towards the door.

"What's going on out there?!"

Merlin put his ear to the door. "Sounds like chaos."

"I can't believe we're stuck in here."

"Not quite."

"What does that mean?"

Merlin glanced his way, with what Arthur swore was a mischievous glint (but which could have been the trick of the light) before turning back to the door.

With a flick of his wrist and a flash of his eyes, the door to the chamber swung open with a click.

Arthur stared incredulously at the harmless door. "You said you couldn't open the door!"

"Mmm...I lied."

Gaius appeared at the door - stopping any further conversation - out of breath, not in the least surprised to see they hadn't killed each other, and addressed them both "Well don't just stand there you two, go to the Throne Room - quickly - a meeting has begun!"

Arthur took a second to process this. Gaius was summoning him to a meeting? A meeting that was taking place without him?

Arthur quickly regained his regal composure, making his way part Merlin, who followed him like a familiar shadow. "What's happened, Gaius?"

Gaius looked downcast. "The priestess who was sighted earlier is definitely Morgana - "

"As I suspected - "

" - and she's right here in the kingdom."

Arthur quickened his pace.

"She needs to be dealt with once and for all, Arthur. I mean, we actually have to do it this time. Like, she can't be allowed to get away with this, any longer. She's brought it on herself." Arthur suspected Merlin was trying to convince himself more than anyone.

"I know Merlin, I know."

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