Title: It's Like Magic

Author: Kiki1770

Rating: T for Language

Setting: Season 4

Summary: Three times Merlin had to choose between Arthur and Freya, three times he chose...

A/N: I can't believe summer is almost over. Most people have till September, but school starts in like two-three weeks for me...eep, time for writing cram. I'm going to put up as many of my one-shots as possible before the start of the school year.

Short Story 7: Choices Part II

Neither Merlin nor Arthur had met Freya again till the day of Arthur's coronation nearly five years later. Freya had set foot in the courtyard just as Merlin and Arthur were about to leave, and ran straight into Merlin's arms. But their reunion was short lived. Arthur had made good on his promise to bring magic back to Camelot, but he had done so slowly, in steps, so not to overwhelm his people. The people hadn't reacted well, and then Guinevere betrayed Arthur under an enchantment and was banished from Camelot, which only furthered the people's mistrust in Magic. Arthur had sunk into a deep depression.

**Flashback**

Today was the day, today was Merlin's day off and Freya couldn't wait to see him. They hadn't spent much time together recently since Merlin was always chasing after the King, saving his life, writing his speeches, instructing him in the ways of magic, and helping Arthur convince the council to allow Magic into Camelot.

But today was special; it was Freya's twenty-fourth birthday. The age was sacred for a woman among the druids; it was the age that a woman became eligible for marriage. And as much as Freya tried not to look into it, she had caught Merlin near a jeweler the other day. Freya giggled to herself, imagining what it would be like to be married to Merlin.

She woke from her day dreams when two arms wrapped around her from behind, and a tiny kiss pressed into the crook of her neck. "I'm so sorry," Merlin whispered his voice deep from remorse. Freya felt the excitement drain out of her. Something happened! "Today was supposed to be our special day but….I can't leave him Freya. Arthur's drunk himself wasted. He needs my help…I can't leave him." Merlin explained softly.

Freya felt a tiny part of her crumble. This was not at all how she expected her twenty-fourth birthday. How many years had she spent dreaming of the day her future husband would come to her on this day and sweep her off her feet? But…another part of Freya softened as leaned against Merlin's chest. He was so selfless, always putting others before himself. Freya couldn't but feel lucky, and proud to have fallen in love with Merlin.

"I understand Merlin. Go on, go. Help Arthur," She smiled.

"Freya…" Merlin muttered, still unsure. Freya pulled out of his embrace and took his hands in hers.

"I won't ever make you choose between me or Arthur, Merlin. Go on and save your destiny," She laughed and all but pushed Merlin out the door. Merlin grinned, pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, and rushed out to find the King.

And she watched him leave again, like a flickering flame so close within her reach, but impossible to truly grasp. Freya sank into a ball against the door, and sobbed her eyes dry.

**End Flashback**

In the weeks that followed, Arthur was much happier. He'd married Guinevere and claimed the sword he was destined to wield. Merlin had been made Court Sorcerer and magic was finally accepted. Camelot was experiencing a time of peace; with Morgana vanishing from the face of the earth, and magic steadily becoming commonplace in Camelot, the Court Sorcerer finally decided it was time to bring out the ring burning a hole in his pocket for the last year or so.

And just as all good things eventually came to an end, so did Camelot's peace. Morgana was back, and this time she had attacked Emrys's heart.

**Flashback**

"Leave them Morgana! It's me that you want; take my life, not theirs!" Merlin pleaded, growing desperate as the woman he loved and his best friend struggled to breathe.

"Aww, poor Merlin. Can't you see it's too late? The hemlock has already entered their systems." Morgana crooned surreptitiously. Merlin roared and struggled against his magical binds. "How does it feel to have your past come back and haunt you, Emrys?"

"LET THEM GO!" Merlin screamed and forced his magic to expel from his body. It was painful and he only managed to rattle the furniture causing the traitorous witch to cackle at his pathetic display of magic. Morgana clicked her tongue in sympathy; she ran a finger down Merlin's pale face.

"It's alright Emrys, I'm not the enemy here," she consoled, talking to Merlin as though he were a five year old child. She held a bottle before his eyes. "See? I've even brought you the cure." Merlin tried to lunge for the bottle, but he was still too tightly wound up. Morgana giggled in delight and set the bottle in front of him. She whispered the spell that released Merlin's binds.

"But I'm afraid there is only enough for one." Morgana smirked, and disappeared with a simple transportation spell. Merlin scrambled out of his chains, grabbed the bottle, and rushed to his friend's side.

Arthur and Freya both laid side to side, sweating and panting as their supply of air slowly diminished. Merlin could tell that Morgana had poisoned Arthur first as the King was literally on his death bed. Freya was only semi-conscious. Merlin cried out in horror and pulled his love into his lap.

"Freya," He choked out and stroked her beautiful pale face. Freya's eyes flickered open and Merlin sobbed into her hair. "No, I can't lose you." He whispered his voice thick with tears. Freya chuckled softly in Merlin's lap and reached up to cup his cheek.

"It would seem that fate wants you to choose between me or Arthur, Merlin." Freya couldn't help but smile at the irony of it all. "I stand by what I told you all those years ago Merlin. When it comes down to me or Arthur…there was never really a choice at all. Please save Arthur, Merlin…for me," She managed to say, before a horrendous cough escaped her, cutting off her air supply completely. Freya gagged and her soft brown eyes rolled back into her head.

"I love you Freya…" She heard him whisper as she faded away from this world, the light that she so desperately craved, finally fleeing from her entirely.

**End Flashback**

Uh oh...what's going to happen next?

Review, review, review!

Kiki1770