This is LONG over due and I am so sorry. I know it's been forever since I've posted a chapter but I just haven't been in the mood to write anything. But since it's the end of summer, I decided that I need to push myself to write *something* So here's the next chapter. It might be a bit rusty but yeah. Again, I am so sorry. I know a lot of you have been asking when I would update and hoping that I didn't abandon. I'm doing my best. So here's a really short chapter for you all.

"So, will I be seeing you at Prince Arthur's coronation tomorrow night?" Gwen asked Merlin. The two were walking in the corridors. Merlin was actually helping her with her chores.

He's been doing that for a long time. He helps her carry heavy laundry and running to the market to get her something really fast. It's become a habit for the two. Today, Merlin was helping Gwen clean Morgana's chambers.

"Uhm- No. I don't think so."

Gwen frowned. "Why?"

"I-I Have some things I have to do for Gaius." Merlin tried lying as smoothly as he could.

"Don't be silly. Gaius will be there too. It's required for every servant to work during big events like this. And it is required for the members of the court to attend. And since you're Gaius' assistant, you must go!"

"W-well, I'm not really his assistant. He's my uncle."

"You assist him,"

"That makes me his assistant?" Merlin tried arguing. Gwen stared up at him.

"I will see you tomorrow night." She smiles and walked away.

0000

Merlin thought about Arthur's coronation all day. He was worried about Uther seeing him. Merlin's been in Camelot for a good month and a half and he has kept out of Uther's sight the whole time.

"Do you think Uther will remember me?" Merlin asked his uncle later that night while they were eating.

The old physician swallowed the bite of stew he was eating. "I wouldn't think so. I surely didn't recognize you the first time. You have changed a lot since you were a child." Merlin nodded. "Let's hope we don't get into that situation"

"Do you think I should go to the coronation?"

Gaius sighed. "I'd advise you not to go. But there is nothing I can do to stop you if you do."

0000

"Do you solemnly swear, to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions, according to the statutes, customs and laws laid down by your forebears?" Uther said as his son was kneeling in front of him.

"I do, Sire."

"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgements?" Everyone silently watched as Uther continued.

"I do, Sire."

"Do you swear allegiance to Camelot, now, and for as long as you shall live?" Merlin stood in the corner and saw Arthur's serious face stare up at his own father.

"I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of the kingdom and its peoples." Merlin noted the slight smile on Uther's face as he turned to the side to take the crown from the servant beside him.

"Now, being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot." The crowd applauds as Arthur stands and faces them.

Just then, the large window on the far side of the room crashed and an older man wearing a large cloak concealing his face walked straight in.

"Uther Pendragon!" The man said loudly almost as if it thundered in the room. "For years, you have unleashed terror among my kind." The man nodded upwards a little and Merlin noticed his eyes glowing gold. Magic. "You will pay for your crimes."

"Guards! Seize him!" Uther demanded. A group of four guards ran at the man with their swords but were pushed by an unseen force. No one in the room moved.

The man pulled down his cloak and his face was revealed. The man was near Uther's age and his hair dark with almost graying strands. Three knives appeared in his hand and his eyes glowed again.

The blades floated in the air and aimed at Arthur. "Let's see how you deal with your son being murdered." The knives flew through the air and to Arthur.

Before Merlin could think, he was in the middle of the knives and Arthur, stopping the knives with magic before they could reach them.

The blades crashed to the floor. "It seems that the mighty Uther Pendragon has magic within his own castle." The sorcerer across the room smiled.

"Guards!" Uther yelled once more but with a gust of wind, the man disappeared.

Merlin could feel the whole room's eyes on him. He heard footsteps and saw that the King was walking to him. Merlin panicked and started to run away.

He was stopped when he saw the guards had blocked the entrance.

He stood in the middle of the room. "Guards! Seize him!" Uther screamed. Merlin was held by two guards.

From somewhere in the room, he heard Gwen yell for him. "Merlin, no!"

"Merlin?" Uther whispered. He looked at the warlock that was being held by the two guards.

"That can't be." Arthur said. He ran over to where Merlin was and stared at him. "M-Merlin?"

Tears started to pool in Merlin's eyes. "A-Arthur, I'm sorry."

Before Arthur could say anything, Merlin was dashing through the door. The guards posted there had been pushed aside by magic. Arthur ran after him. He heard his father call out his name, but he kept running.

He chased Merlin all the way out of the castle and though the market. "Merlin, wait!" he tried calling out before Merlin sprinted out the gates and disappeared into the trees.