Arthur sat frustrated listening to Morgana, Leon, and Lancelot described their efforts to locate Emrys. Morgana ranted in a grating tone about consulting the stars to locate Emrys' birthplace, sounding like a harpy. Leon rambled and coughed about searching birth records. Can Leon even read? Lancelot bribed various midwives. Yeah, more like harlots from the bar. Camelot's royal coffers didn't lose a coin in Lancelot's dealings. Arthur flung a sliver goblet at a bare wall in the council room. Wine splashed in a brilliant red wave. Morgana gasped and looked at Arthur in shock. Leon moved back towards his chair. Lancelot smirked at an unexpected display of emotion from stoic Arthur. In a fit of anger, Arthur bounced from his throne. His handsome brow marred in anger. His blue eyes clouded with discontent.

"Everything that you have named has been done since I was five years old. Nimueh told us that Emrys was born during my fifth year. Midwives have been jailed. Birth records searched. Stars charted and named, all in the effort to locate one man,"Arthur screamed.

Eyes lowered as books bounced ; drapes were torn; and fruit flew . Lancelot dodged a pear with a chuckle. Morgana moved towards Arthur with her pale hands raised, in an effort to calm his anger. Arthur grimaced and waved her away.

"I don't need comfort. I need Emrys." Arthur clenched his jaw as his sensual mouth twisted in disdain. His ears failed to recognize Queen Igraine' soft steps as she entered the Council room. A delicate blonde eyebrow arched in curiosity at Lancelot. He shrugged with a toothy smile. Morgana turned her green eyes away from her adoptive mother. Leon hurried to direct Igraine around a pile of destruction. Leon tossed Gwen a bright smile over Igraine's shoulder. Gwen eyes gleamed when she recognized Leon, her bear of a protector.

"Arthur, are you displeased," Igraine inquired gently.

Arthur swung his golden head in his mother's direction. His raked over her elegant figure surrounded by the evidence of his tantrum. He lost control. Arthur hated losing control. His father death didn't drive him to tears in front of anyone, not even his mother. Later, in a private corner of his chamber, Arthur bawled like a newborn over Uther's lost. Arthur breathed slowly to regain control over his emotions. Anger was not acceptable. He noticed a fleck of lavender hiding behind his mother. So, his mother would shield Guinevere from him. Arthur straightened as his mind drifted to other concerns. Emrys could wait for a moment. His mother would not interfere in his private matters. Guinevere needed a reminder of his presence.

Arthur recovered quickly as he walked over to his mother, and pressed a gentle kiss on her soft cheek. He inhaled delicate roses as he leaned in close for a hug. Igraine's arm held him tightly as her blue eyes shut to give her child strength during these trying times. Igraine was unaware that Arthur's sapphire eyes drifting over Gwen. Gwen ignored the goose bumps on her arms as Arthur's eyes lingered over her small body. Gwen decided to count the number of apples and pears on the Council room floor. Arthur chuckled when he realized his little mouse was attempting to ignore him. Arthur Pendragon was never ignored, by anyone.

Arthur ushered Igraine to her throne as Leon directed a group of servants to clean up Arthur's sopping mess. Arthur noticed his mouse sat in corner chatting with a dark haired girl. Her soft laughter filled the chamber and brushing away his anger.

"Gwen, what's so funny, "Arthur asked politely. Bernadette scurried away like a rat chased by a cat. Gwen crossed her small brown hands in her lap. "Milord, servants' affairs aren't interesting. It was nothing." Arthur smiled sweetly at her. Gwen slouched in her chair. "Indulge me, Gwen. A good king must know the happenings of his people."

Gwen panicked. She couldn't say Merlin attempted to bake a cake except he forgot to add sugar. His poor pound cake tasted like moldy straw after a cow took a nap on it. Arthur would lash out at Merlin, if Arthur knew Merlin shared her home. Or maybe, Arthur would just leave her alone. Arthur would realize that she did not return his desire and move on.

"Well, sire, Merlin made a pound cake for dessert. He gave many of our neighbors a slice. However, he didn't use a cup of sugar to sweeten the batter," Gwen replied giggling. Arthur leaned forward like a cat as he caught Gwen's laughing eyes.

"Your neighbors?"

"Yes, milord, Merlin shares my home. I had an extra room."

Lancelot stopped breathing. Leon flinched. Morgana paled. Arthur frowned in displeasure.

"A young unmarried girl living alone with a young man, not a family relation. Is this a wise choice, Guinevere," Arthur asked sweetly.

"We're just friends, sire. It met our needs. Merlin would prefer to live with Gaius. We can't always have what we want, sire," Gwen replied with a sparkling grin. Her long silky eyelashes batted towards Arthur. "Besides, they say a good friend makes a wonderful husband. Never know what will happen."

Guinevere is baiting me. She's trying to get me to believe that she loves her buffoon of a friend. My first smile is attached to a lie. Aren't you clever, my dear? Cleverness is cute. I prefer calculating.

"Guinevere, you're such a lovely person to share your home with poor Merlin. Makes sure that is all that he shares."

"Arthur," Igraine rebuked sharply.

Guinevere jumped at Arthur's words. Panic flashed in her eyes. Arthur was not amused. "Milady, I believe that my day is over. May I leave?"

"Of course, go meet your young man, dear," Igraine replied.

Gwen scampered from the room with Arthur's blue orbs staring at her. Gwen hopped down the stairs. She hoped the bouncing would shake flaky cobwebs out of her mind. I don't like him. Thinking of him gives me a stomachache. He's cruel and unfair. Spoiled. Arrogant. Handsome. Soft hot lips. No, No, No. Gwen paced as she waited for Merlin to appear.

Arthur flung open the heavy red velvet drapes. He spotted Gwen pacing around like a prisoner in a cage waiting for their execution. Her little hands waving around her curly head as her mouth moved. Gwen stopped and slapped her hands against her forehead.

"Arthur, you just don't understand women. Usually, you give a come hither look and they fall, jump, trip into your bed. Your little mouse is in control of this game," Lancelot explained calmly.

"Lancelot, it's not a game."

"Oh, it is. Unless your feelings are engaged? The great Arthur Pendragon in love with his mother's maid?"

"Don't love her. I want to possess Gwen. It's want, not a need."

"Possession is close to obsession."

"Not obsessed."

"Well, take control from your mouse. Time to let your inner cat out."

"Lancelot."

"Ignore her."

"What?"

Lancelot and Arthur watched Merlin covered Gwen's eyes. She smiled and elbowed Merlin in his stomach. Gwen spun around and placed a kiss on Merlin's high cheek bone. Merlin linked a skinny arm around Gwen's neck. Slowly, they began to walk home. Gwen's eyes rose to the great window. Arthur noticed a seductive smile on her face. Over her shoulder, Gwen blew Arthur a kiss. Arthur slammed his hand against an icy window pane.

"Honestly, Arthur, she doesn't have a clue. Gwen behaves like a young girl. She is a young girl, Arthur. They wait for you. They ran away from you. Gwen is in over her head with you. She's used to dealing Merlin or other foolish boys. Pity for her, you're a man. A King among men. The poor thing believes that you will lose interest. Instead, her sassiness flames your attraction. Remember, she doesn't your understand desire or the way your eyes follow her movements. That's your fault.

"My fault?"

"Yes, not one man is brave enough to touch her or smile in her direction. You robbed her of young love."

"Love is overrated."

"So, she plays with you. You enjoy it. Gwen is the only person that says no to you. Not the basis for a love affair."

"You're wrong, Lancelot. You're annoying me, dreadfully, tonight."

"Seriously, man, Gwen didn't have to follow your mother to the council room. She wanted to see you. Think about it, Arthur. Gwen meets Merlin on the castle steps every day. Where you can see her with another man. They are always on the steps together in front of your window. Or leave her alone. I would prefer that you leave Gwen alone. "

"Why do you care? Do you like her?", Arthur asked menacingly

"I prefer fiery. She's too cute , sweet, sassy, and young. Can I say young again? Let's say, you get her in bed. What happens when you marry?

"She'll be my mistress."

Lancelot rolled his deep brown eyes at Arthur. "It bothers Leon and your mother. Gwen is special to them. Leave her alone. I beg you. Move on from her."

"No, she wants me as much as I want her."

Lancelot's shoulders dropped in resignation. " Doesn't matter what she wants, Arthur. Gwen is not old enough to know her own mind. Well, you will hurt her. It's in our nature to conquer untamed lands and move on. So, seduce her. Be quick about it. Before, we meet Alined's army in the spring. Your knights deserve your full concentration.

Arthur rubbed his elegant fingers across his wide lips. "What should I do loverboy?"

"Ignore her. She will come. Become a cunning spider to her fluttery butterfly. Set a sticky web and draw her in."

Arthur smiled. "I will have her. I will find Emrys. Albion will be united in my father's name."

"Or you will destroy us all in search of a myth. Ruin a young girl's life because of your selfish desire. Plunge our lands into war for your dead father. What a plan," Lancelot replied sarcastically.

Arthur patted his shoulder. "Lancelot, when we find Emrys, everything will fall into place. Emrys will serve me. Once, I have Gwen, my desire for her will fade. I won't allow her to stop my father's plans. Or Emrys. Or any king, noble or servant alive."

Merlin and Gwen were almost home .Suddenly, Merlin slapped a hand on his forehead. "Gwen, we forgot the trunk. He arrives tomorrow. He's early. We have to go ,tonight." Gwen looked at a pile of dirty snow on the ground. "Merlin, the castle?" Merlin sighed as he grabbed Gwen's forearm. "Stop flirting with him or admit that you like him?"

"I don't like him."

"Liar."

"Fine, I'll prove it." Gwen started marching towards the castle. Merlin smirked as he watched snow flying from Gwen's floppy little steps. Arthur does rile her emotions. Hopefully, Arthur would destroy Gwen I can't stop what's coming between. Neither can Arthur or Gwen. And I'm known as the local idiot..

"Are you coming, Merlin?" Gwen called.

"Right behind you."

Merlin lit a few candles to illuminate his former home. Gwen hovered in the corner watching a brilliant sunset. "Daydreaming about the king? Gwen stuck her tongue out at Merlin. "No, do you want to see other places? Merlin looked confused for a moment. "You don't mean other rooms in the castle." Gwen spun around the room with her arms raised. She danced with her invisible partner. "No, see other lands. Dance with a gentlemen. Eat new foods. Just leave Camelot?"

"We need money. We're poor!"

Gwen's dainty shoulders dropped. "Our taxes are too high to save for a trip. All the citizens of Camelot must pay for the war and search for Emrys. Real meaning: hard working servants must give all of their wages to the kingdom. Just keep enough to buy a few clothes and food. Not good food. Or nice clothes. But the nobles, who are rich and lazy, rather mean, will pay very little in taxes," Gwen boomed in a fake masculine voice. Gwen adjusted her invisible crown and cloak as she strolled through her an adoring court of emptiness. "Emrys will deliver us to greatness. His guidance will propel Camelot and Arthur into greatness. Real meaning … Uther will beat everyone. Oh, wait. I'm ghost. My idiot son continues my silly plan. Isn't he bright?"

Merlin wiped streaming tears from his eyes. His stomach ached. Gwen always knew how to make him laugh, especially now. Merlin blew a layer of gray dusted off Gaius' trunk as Gwen gave a finally bow to her invisible court and return to a bleak reality of Camelot. Marlin's pale hands attempted to pop the rusty metal lock. He jiggled the lock.

"I guess Gaius didn't want his secrets to be know, Gwen."

"What secrets? How he dealt with the Pendragons for his whole life. Can you imagine listening to King Uther for years and years?"

"18 years was bad enough."

Gwen stuck a hand into her soft bun and removed a tiny metal hairpin. "Pick the lock, Merlin." He back away from the hairpin; like Gwen offered him a cup of Hemlock. "No, I promised Gaius." Gwen arched an eyebrow. "Merlin, we were 11 years old. We're punished. Maybe, candy should be cheaper. It's not stealing. That trunk belongs to you now." Merlin frowned as he removed the offending hairpin from Gwen's cold fingertips. "Just do it," Gwen muttered as Merlin hesitated to open the trunk. "Let's raid Gaius' secrets."

Merlin inserted the hairpin. Cricking and cracking bounced off cold walls. Merlin struggled to hit the right tumblers to open the lock. A popping sound filled the candlelit room as the trunk lock opened. "Should we, Gwen?" Curiosity took over Gwen. Her head bobbed excitedly. Merlin slowly opened the lid as they peered at neatly folded items. Gwen removed a fur trimmed blue cloak. Her fingers rubbed the soft fur. Merlin grabbed a crystal orb filled with a blue liquid. His hands spun it around. Nothing appeared in the glass.

"Aw, I thought it was special." Merlin dropped it on the hard floor. Merlin placed a large white shirt against his narrow chest. "Too big? Gwen nodded. The orb started to hum. Gwen and Merlin exchanged looks. A soft melodious sound vibrated from the small crystal ball. Gwen scooted towards the center of the room. Merlin crawled like a newborn.

The orb began to rock haphazardly and rolls around. "Merlin, you would find something scary."

"Just run." Merlin grabbed Gwen hand. He pulled Gwen towards the door.

"Merlin and Guinevere, what have I told you about breaking into people's personal items," Gaius stated firmly

Merlin and Gwen turned to face Gaius. His withered hands rested on his ample hips. One white eyebrow arched. His white hair hung around his wrinkled face. A large smile dominated his face. His brown eyes were sad. Merlin and Gwen ran into Gaius' arms. His voice soothing voice calmed their weary souls.

"Opening the trunk was a mistake, children. I hoped to change destiny. Now, destiny is upon us," Gaius stated flatly. Merlin and Gwen, sit down." Merlin and Gwen sat in front of Gaius like schoolchildren. Merlin draped the blue cloak around them for warmth.

"Camelot," Gaius began," was a land of fairness and harmony. Uther became obsessed with power during Arthur's fifth year. A seer foretold of a young man, who could mold Arthur into a great King. He would grow into a great wizard. The boy would be born from a dragon lord and a woman from a magical family. Her magic would be slight. However, she would give birth to the greatest wizard in the world.

"Gaius, we know the legend of Emrys. Learned it in school," Merlin informed Gaius in a bored voice.

"Merlin, you never paid attention in class."

"Be quiet, Gwen," Merlin muttered.

"He isn't paying attention today," Gaius yelled. "Where was I?"

"Oh, a woman traveled with her lady to a foreign kingdom during a jousting tournament. During her time in that country, she fell in love with a man named Balinor, a dragon lord. Balinor was renowned for his ability to speak, trained, and control dragons. His voice had the power to soothe a raging dragon or a few words could condemn a dragon to death. Hunith was the woman's name. She was drawn to magnetic Balinor. They fell deeply in love. She laid with him and conceived a child."

Gwen's face drained of color. A small grasps flew from her lips. Gwen's hand covered her mouth in horror.

"My mother's name was Hunith."

Gaius gave Merlin annoyed look. "Hunith gave birth to a son called Merlin Emrys of Ealdor." Merlin sat quietly for a few moments, processing Gaius's words. His eyes grew large. He leapt from the floor. "Noooo…."

"Yes, Merlin. You are Emrys. Your father was Balinor. Your mother was Hunith. You are destiny to guide Arthur to greatness." Merlin's eyes watered. His legs shook. His hands trembled. Fear filled his mind. "Don't you dare faint, boy."

Merlin's hands clamped down on his silky dark hair. He paced around the room frantically. " I don't know magic. I can't conjure a dead toad. I'm useless. I'm the palace idiot," Merlin screamed at his uncle. Tears streaming down his face.

Gaius nodded weakly. "That is my fault. Hunith stayed in Ealdor with Balinor until your birth. He was called away. He didn't return to Ealdor. Hunith returned home to Camelot. She resumed her position as Queen Igraine's maid. Your mother told me about Balinor and your birth. She was deeply hurt from his abandonment. I told her of Uther's obsession over finding Emrys. We decided to hide you here."

"That was a smart plan, Uncle."

"Actually, it was quite brilliant. Uther never thought Emrys would be born from a simple serving woman. Never, did he think Emrys would crawl across his queen's chamber. As a small baby, I placed a shielding spell on you."

"Thanks."

"Listen, boy, I'm dead. The cloaking spell was expire on your 21st birthday. You must leave Camelot before your birthday. "

"So, Arthur will find out about me in the fall?"

"Your destiny is intertwined with Arthur's, Merlin. It cannot be changed."

"He doesn't like me. He wants me dead. He thinks that I'm an idiot."

"That will change."

"You have to leave Camelot."

"It's winter."

"I know. In the summer, you must leave Camelot. Find Balinor and learn to control your magic."

"What magic!"

"Touching the orb broke a bonding spell. Your magic is awakened."

"I don't feel different."

"Merlin, I don't have much time left."

"I'm listening."

"In the trunk, you will find a book of magic. Practice and learn as much as you can. During summer, leave Camelot. You cannot help Arthur until you can control your magic. You must guide him."

"Guide him into a bunch of dung. I don't like him. He's a prat."

"Merlin, listen to me. Take the trunk to Gwen's house. Practice at night. Stay away from Arthur."

"I understand."

"Time will reveal everything."

"Too much was revealed tonight."

Gaius turned his attention Gwen. She sat with her mouth opened. Gaius smiled at her gently. "Sweet girl, the cloak was a present for your birthday in March. Wear it now. Keep warm." Gwen blushed prettily." Thank you, Gaius."

"Gwen, I would tell you to stay away from Arthur. But, your destiny is with him. Your path lies with Arthur."

Gwen rolled her eyes. Her mouth curved into a frown. "I don't like him. Destiny can change."

Gaius nodded in appeasement. "My girl, keep thinking that thought. It will save you from heartbreak. However, it's a lie. When the time is right, forgive Arthur for his harshness towards you."

"Don't worry, Gaius. I have no connection to King Arthur."

"Difficult children. Never listen to me. Or your parents,' Gaius ranted. "Just remember, leave during late summer. Flee Camelot and return when the time is right. Merlin, take Gwen with you. Times will be dangerous for her."

"I promise."

"I will see you soon, children." Gaius faded away. Merlin dropped next to Gwen. Merlin's heart raced. "I'm Emrys. I can't boil water."

"Or bake pound cake."

"Humor isn't good now."

Gwen tugged on Merlin's blue ratty jacket. "We have to leave. They' re eating. We have to get the trunk to my house. Arthur and his knights can't see us."

"Right, Gwen."

Merlin and Gwen quickly threw everything back into the trunk. They didn't notice a small letter slide under an old couch. Merlin slammed the lid shut. He pushed the trunk towards the door. Gwen held the door wide open. They peered around the hallway to check for knights. Quickly, they carried the trunk down Camelot's gleaming hallway.

Gwen's small fingers struggled to grip the hard leather. Golden button bit into her hands. Tears filled her eyes. Merlin attempted to balance the heavy trunk. Ragged breaths left Gwen's small chest.

"Almost there, Gwen."

Gwen knew Merlin was lying. Her house was a good distance away. Still, they had two flights of stairs.

"I can't do it."

"You have to."

"It hurts so much."

'Let's rest a moment."

Merlin and Gwen placed the trunk near a staircase next to a side exit. Tiredly, they dropped on the brown trunk. Gwen placed her head on Merlin's shoulder. He examined her small hands. A few small cuts. A bruise appeared to be forming.

"Gwen, for a maid. You have really nice hands."

"I don't do much for Queen Igraine. She has a bunch of other maids. I'm more like a companion."

"Oh."

Merlin closed his blue eyes. He rested his head against the wall. His reeling emotions and tiredness prevented Merlin from falling asleep. Gwen signed in weariness as her eyes fluttered shut.

Leon's heart melted at the sight of the young couple slumped on the trunk. His eyes noticed Gwen and Merlin's fingers intertwined. I wish Gwen's heart could love Merlin. Her life would be easier. Arthur would not be overjoyed of their blatant display of affection. Soon, Arthur would leave for his chamber.

"Gwen, Merlin, wake up."

Merlin jumped as Gwen fell on the floor. "We're not sleep milord. Just resting."

Leon noticed Merlin was flaky as ever. Merlin's eyes scanned the area behind Leon. Gwen didn't budge from the shiny stone floor. Her eyes fixed on his scratched boots.

"Gwen, why aren't you home. I saw you leave the castle."

Gwen yawned." Leon, we forgot the trunk. Camelot's new physician arrives tomorrow. We came back for it."

Leon smiled in understanding. His soft brown eyes shined with kindness. "Is the trunk heavy?"

"Yes."

"Merlin, let me carry it to Gwen's house."

Horror filled Merlin's face as he moved in front of the trunk. "No, milord. We can manage."

"Merlin, Gwen's hands are bloody. You're out of breath. Besides, you need to leave before the king sees you."

Merlin stepped aside. Leon placed his burly hands on the old trunk. He grabbed it like a bag of feathers and started down the winding steps. Gwen and Merlin hurried behind Leon. Frigid air greeted them as they quickly walked to Gwen's house. Gwen ran ahead to unlock the doors, start a fire, and light candles.

"Merlin, convince her to stay away from Arthur."

"I try."

"Why don't you marry her?"

"I like to breath. Besides, she's like my sister.

"Yes, I have the same affection for her."

"Maybe, he'll lose inertest."

"He will lose interest. The moment that she leaves his bed."

"Does Arthur do anything nice?'

"Actually, he's noble. He's the noblest knight in the lands. Merlin frowned in disbelief.

"No, he's leaves his father's harsh laws in place."

"In time, he will change them."

"Oh."

They finished the walk in silence. Gwen left the door ajar for Leon and Merlin. Leon walked cautiously into Gwen's house. He noticed a makeshift wall hiding a bed in the back of the house. Gwen sat in a wobbly chair, rubbing an ointment on her fingers.

"Take care of your hands, Gwen. Tomorrow, I will inform Arthur that Merlin sleeps in the backroom.

"Thank you, Leon," Merlin answered. "He will only yell at me twenty times, instead of twenty one.

"Thank you, Leon."

"Gwen, stay away from the Council room."

Gwen heard Leons's words. Her heart refused to listen to his logical statement. "Of course."

Leon exited the small house with a solid thump on Gwen's door. He started a long cold walked back to the castle.

"Are you in pain?"

"No."

Merlin pushed the gigantic trunk to a corner in his room. Gwen lounged near in his doorway. Merlin flopped on his cold bed. "My whole life is a lie. A big dangerous lie. I'm Emrys, the almighty savior. Arthur will kill me."

"No. Merlin, he wants you in Camelot. He will be nice."

Merlin pushed his face into a firm pillow. He closed his eyes.

"Merlin?"

Merlin's steady breathing filled his small room. Gwen untied his boots and placed them by his small lumpy bed. Her small hands tucked his blanket around Merlin's chin. Gwen pressed a small kiss on his forehead. Her soft breath blew out Merlin room's candle. Gwen gave a drowsy Merlin on last look.

"Gwen," Merlin whispered sleepily," It was good to see Gaius."

"Yes, sleep, Merlin. Tomorrow is almost here."