Title: It's Like Magic

Author: Kiki1607

Rating: T For Language

Summary: Merlin's price for Uther's life

Setting: 4x03

A/N: Sorry loss of internet is really slowing updates down. Here is part two of the Reveal fic

AU to 4x03 Part 2

"I don't understand Gaius!" Arthur hissed angrily through gritted teeth. "I thought Mer— the sorcerer healed him." He flinched at the reminder of who his manservant was. Arthur didn't want to think about it. He didn't, no couldn't, deal with it.

"I assure you sire, the wound is completely healed. The spell was faultless. It isn't the physical bleeding that is taking Uther's life. It is his heart bleeding from betrayal," Gaius retorted trying to make it clear to the Prince. Gaius may have been a good friend to the King, he may have thought of Arthur endearingly after knowing the boy for most of his life, but he loved Merlin like his own son. He would not let Arthur believe Merlin had done anything but heal him. He was already paying the price.

"Then do something! I don't care. Bring Mer- bring your sorcerer back. I need him to live Gaius!" Arthur pleaded desperately. It was a feeling that was beginning to settle like a habit. Every time he found some hope that his father might heal, something or someone decided to crush his hope. What if it was Mer-

"Merlin cannot do anything Sire. He already cheated Uther's death by bringing him back when his time was over. If Merlin were to use his magic to heal Uther again, he will pay a heavy price." Gaius snapped vehemently, but then paused to take a deep breath. "I care for your Father, Arthur, truly I do. But his time is over. There is nothing more we can do."

"What do you mean Mer-Merlin will have a price to pay?" Arthur whispered. He cursed himself for asking something so stupid while his father was dying, but he had to know. Gaius sighed in resignation, a sorrowful look passing over his eyes.

"You're Father killed a great many number of sorcerers in his time Arthur. The High Goddess of the Old Religion has no pity for him. When Merlin cheated Uther's death, he bared the wrath of the Goddess. Merlin may be a powerful warlock, but no one is above the Law of the Old Religion, even he. Should he heal Uther or try and thwart his death a second time, he will be stripped of his magic," Gaius solemnly explained. He flinched at the memory of finding his ward curled in ball in the corner of his chambers, crying as he told Gaius the vision from his dreams.

"Are you trying to tell me Merlin's magic is worth more than my Father?" Arthur slowly hissed in a deep predatory manner. The Prince Regent looked infuriated. "It was his fault for practicing magic in the first place. He should do the honorable thing and give it up."

"THEN YOU CONDEMN HIM TO HIS DEATH!" Gaius roared nearly uncharacteristically. Arthur flinched and took a few involuntary steps back. "Merlin isn't just any sorcerer Arthur. He is Emrys the greatest warlock that will ever be born. He was born with his magic Arthur, magic was never a choice for Merlin. Magic is who he is. You take Merlin's magic away and he will die.

"Tell me Arthur, are you really willing to let Merlin die after everything he has done for you? He saved your life and your father's many times more than you could ever imagine. You also promised that magic would be free once you were King, Arthur. Will you go back on your word? Will you force your friend, your protector, to heal your father again and send him to his own death?" Gaius slowly and carefully drew out his last words. A flash of guilt and torment haunted the Prince's eyes as he realized the truth of the physician's words.

Magic or no magic, Merlin was his friend. Could he really ask Merlin to die to save his Father?

Review please! They help me update faster.

Sorry, this one is unedited and written at 1 in the morning.