Here we are, the final chapter! I hope you like it. Thank you so much for those of you who have stuck with me during this story. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and thank you so so much for those who have let me know what you thought!

Hope you enjoy this final chapter!

Arthur flinched, looking away. Squeezing his eyes shut, he twisted his head to one side before opening them again, making sure Nimueh wasn't in his eyeline. He pressed his palms against the floor, preparing to rise. He knew it wasn't going to work though. He was still winded from the fall. Even if he could move out of the way, it wouldn't help. He had stepped in the way to save Merlin; he wasn't going to abandon his friend now.

"Goodbye, Arthur Pendragon." Nimueh's voice was cold, anger coursing through it. Arthur knew why. For the last seventeen years, she had raised him, trained him to take his place as her puppet king. In a few days, he had undermined everything she had wanted for him. Arthur wasn't afraid though. He would rather die than be forced to kill someone. He wasn't a king. He didn't know how to be. Camelot needed his father. Arthur raised his chin defiantly and stared at Nimueh. This was his choice and he was not about to die cowering like a child.

The first bit of magic left her fingers. Despite himself, Arthur cried out as searing pain shot through his body. He heard a surprised gasp, but fog was descending on his mind and he didn't realise where it had come from. But then the pain was easing, trickling away. It took a moment before it receded completely and Arthur took in a great shuddering breath as he tried to control the trembling in his limbs. Just as he managed it, an audible thud filled the air. This time, Arthur knew it was Merlin's shocked gasp he heard. Glancing at his friend, Arthur saw he was open mouthed, staring at where Nimueh had been standing.

Arthur turned that way himself. It wasn't Nimueh standing there though but Uther. A drawn sword was in his hand and an expression of fury on his face. Arthur noticed the sword was blood-stained.

"You've taken my son from me once," he said. His voice was trembling with suppressed emotion. "I will not let you do it again."

Arthur swallowed, his gaze lowering. He already knew what he was about to see. The dark stain on the sword told him that. But he looked down. Nimueh was crumbled at Uther's feet. Blood was pooling around her. Arthur felt his breath catch in his throat and he scrambled towards her. He expected Uther to stop him, but no one interfered as he knelt by Nimueh's side. He reached out to her but her skin was already cold. Her eyes were open; glassy and filmed with death. Arthur knew he was too late.

The woman who had raised him was gone. Killed by his father. Who had done it to protect him. Arthur slowly looked up to find Uther watching him closely.

"Evil like her cannot be reasoned with, Arthur. I couldn't allow her to take you from me again."

Arthur vaguely nodded, but it felt like another was in control of his body. A loud ringing noise was growing in his ears and he was trembling. The aftermath of Nimueh's magic was still racing through his body and confronted with the body of the woman who had kept him safe all these years was overwhelming him. Arthur wasn't sure if he was going to faint or throw up.

A cool hand on his shoulder forced him to take a breath. Merlin had managed to sit up, his eyes shadowed with the pain of hitting the ground so hard.

"I'm sorry," he murmured softly. Arthur shrugged off his hand.

"Don't be. She was going to kill us both."

"She cared for you."

"After what she just said? I don't think so." Arthur knew – deep down – that Merlin was right. It hadn't always been fear, punishment and lessons with Nimueh. He had grown up exploring the world with Merlin at his side. She wouldn't have granted him that freedom if some part of her didn't care. But thinking like that hurt. It was easier to imagine that she hated him, that she would have indeed killed him right here and now without batting an eyelid. He could hate her in return if he held onto the last few words she had said to him… And hate was easier to deal with than the utter confusion racing through Arthur's mind.

"Arthur…"

Arthur stood up. He had to. He couldn't stay down here. He drew himself up to his full height, refusing to look at the body. Instead, he locked eyes with his father.

"If you want me as your prince, then you won't lift a finger or give an order that results in Merlin being hurt."

"Those are you terms?" Unless Arthur was mistaken, there was a hint of respect in the man's voice. Arthur nodded.

"Those are my terms. No reparations are to come against the villagers either. They didn't know who I was. They kept me safe."

Arthur knew he couldn't run. What would he be running to? There was nothing left for him in a small village now he knew the truth of who he was. His first thought upon finding out had been that he had the power to change things. If he ran from that, then he was a coward if not worse. He could make things better for those who use magic. But he had to face his destiny to do that. He had to take his place in Camelot.

"Very well." Uther watched him closely. "As I witnessed myself the boy protecting you, he shall be allowed to live. But I have conditions of my own."

His gaze snapped to Merlin and Arthur took a step closer to his friend. But Merlin didn't need him. He lifted his own chin, staring at the king impassively.

"You do not use magic. The only times you are allowed to touch your power is to protect the prince. Is that understood?"

Merlin didn't answer. There was a frown on his face and Arthur knew why. How would the king know? When Arthur voiced that thought out-loud, however, Uther smiled. It wasn't a pleasant smile.

"I agreed the boy would be unharmed. But if you think I'm letting a child that powerful remain in Cendred's kingdom, then you need to think again. He's coming with us."

Merlin sucked in a sharp breath and Arthur could see he had gone pale. He didn't know what to say though. If the alternative was Merlin being killed, then Arthur didn't see what choice they had.

"Fine," Merlin retorted. Arthur glanced at the king, then stepped in front of Merlin, turning his back on his face.

"What about your mother?"

"Come on, Arthur. After everything we've been through, after every time Nimueh told me it is my destiny to help you become king… Do you really think I'm going to let you go without me?"

"But…" Arthur was touched more than words could say. The thought of going to Camelot alone terrified him. But the idea of Merlin by his side made him feel like he could take on any challenges the future threw at him. That didn't mean he could ask his friend to make such a sacrifice.

"But nothing. Ealdor isn't big enough for me, you know that. We've always done everything together, I'm not letting you go off on this adventure without me."

Arthur finally smiled, putting his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "Thank you."

There was nothing more to be said. Merlin was coming because he felt Arthur needed him too. It had nothing to do with what the king had said. Merlin smiled in response, covering Arthur's hand with his own for a second, gripping onto his wrist in a reassuring gesture that Arthur wasn't in this alone. Then both boys dropped their hands and Arthur turned to stand next to Merlin.

"We agree," he said boldly. "I shall return to Camelot. But we need to go somewhere else first."

"Where?" Suspicion lined Uther's tone. Arthur looked at his father and tried not to shudder over how cold his expression was.

"Home. We're not just going to vanish. I've done that once before in my life and the result is us standing here now. We will return to Ealdor first before coming to Camelot."

"Done." Uther snapped his fingers and knights instantly appeared. They didn't blink at the scene in front of them. Not the body crumbled at their king's feet, nor the two young men standing boldly facing their monarch. It was as if they had been waiting for Uther's signal and Arthur wondered how long they had been standing outside. After all, the magical opponents Nimueh had summoned to keep them busy would have vanished as soon as she had died.

Arthur watched quietly as they hoisted Nimueh into the air and carried her out. Merlin nudged his arm and Arthur forced himself to nod at the unasked question. He was alright. As alright as he was going to get considering the situation they were in. It was only when the body was removed that Uther finally strode from the tent. Arthur felt himself relax, blowing out a long breath and running his fingers through his hair, shoulders slumping.

"I can't believe you agreed not to use magic," he said. He stared at Merlin as his friend gave a cheeky grin.

"Do you know how often Mother has told me not to use my power? I've had plenty of practice using it in secret, Arthur. Let's face it, I've never done as I'm told. Just because he is king doesn't mean he can make me. He's not my king, anyway."

Arthur had nothing to say to that. He could warn Merlin to be careful, but what was the point? They had made it clear one came only with the other. Merlin had given up his life and any chance to remain normal and hidden in order to stay by Arthur's side.

"I'm glad you're here," Arthur muttered, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously.

"I was hardly going to let you do this alone," Merlin retorted. He sat back down, pointedly turning his back on the puddle of blood behind them. Arthur looked at it for a long moment before following suit. That was all that remained of her now. The only hint that a living, breathing and dangerous woman had stood there not even an hour before.

"I can't believe she's gone," Arthur murmured, wrapping his arms around his knees and pulling them towards his chest. "All these years I've dreamt what it would be like to take my place as Camelot's prince. I guess I always knew she wouldn't see it, not unless I became the killer she wanted. But I never dreamt about killing her, even on the days I hated her."

"Why did you never tell me how she made you feel?"

Arthur shrugged. "Your mother loves you. How did I even begin to explain Nimueh scared me? You wouldn't understand and the older I got, the more ashamed I got."

"You don't have to be afraid any longer," Merlin said softly. "She's gone. Uther did it to protect you. He reacted to stop her from killing you. Whatever his flaws, he cares about you."

"Great," Arthur muttered. He rested his head on his knees. "Will I ever have someone care about me who doesn't have their own agenda?"

"Nope, probably not." There was false cheer to Merlin's voice and Arthur shook his head. He knew his friend was trying to lighten the mood. He gave Merlin a nudge, only for the younger boy to shove him back. Arthur glanced at him.

"You can't do that, I'm your prince now," he muttered. Merlin pretended to deliberate for a moment before shaking his head.

"Nah, you're still a prat."

"Hey!" Arthur gave Merlin a firmer push, sending the boy toppling over. Merlin poked his tongue out in response and Arthur smiled. Somehow, he felt they would be able to get through this after all.

MMM

When they entered the village hours later, Arthur's new-found conviction had worn off. Both he and Merlin had refused to ride, meaning the pace had been slow and the knights had clearly been frustrated. The king hadn't accompanied them, but Arthur wasn't surprised. Arthur had given his word and Uther clearly saw enough of himself in his son to know that his word was his bond and Arthur wouldn't break it. It wasn't in his nature. Uther knew they were coming back and had only sent a handful of guards to make sure they were safe. Luckily, Leon had been amongst that number.

But the sight of Knights of Camelot entering the village on foot had sent the majority of the villagers into a panic. They clearly remembered the day years ago when they had been forced to watch – unable to fight back – as raiders had taken everything from them. Their only defence – even if they didn't know it – came in the form of the two young men currently being escorted into the centre of the village. They came to a stop and Merlin fidgeted awkwardly rather than leading the way to his house. The only reason why they had come back was so Hunith knew what had happened to her son rather than Merlin just disappearing. But now they were here, Merlin was shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Suddenly, Arthur understood.

"Stay here," he instructed the guards. He started to walk off with his head held high, but it was only when Merlin fell into step with him did Arthur realise it had worked and the knights were staying where he had ordered.

"Thanks," Merlin said breathlessly. "I don't want them to know where my house is. Just in case, you know… the king changes his mind or something."

Arthur nodded. If Uther did decide to punish Hunith for shielding a sorcerer, then Arthur knew not knowing which house was hers would do little to stop him. But it helped set Merlin's mind at ease and Arthur was not going to take that away from his friend. He dropped back, pretending to make sure they weren't being followed. But if he was honest, Arthur was too ashamed to face Hunith. He was the reason why Merlin was leaving, the reason why her son had already been restrained more than once and could have been killed. It was all his fault and he wasn't sure how Hunith would react.

Standing on the path leading to Merlin's front door – a position he had been in many times over the years – Arthur realised he was more worried what Hunith would think of him than what Uther thought. There was something so inherently good about her that Arthur had always been concerned about disappointing her. Merlin clearly had no such worries, for he disappeared into the house without a backwards glance.

Arthur stayed where he was, giving mother and son some privacy. Who knew the next time they would see each other? He also had no intention of hearing Merlin bumble his way through an explanation about what had happened, knowing full well his friend would leave out the worst parts so he didn't scare his mother. Whatever version Merlin had given, it was clearly a short one for not too much time had passed before the door banged open and Hunith stood there. The light from the fire behind her gave her a soft glow and she looked so warm and loving that tears pricked Arthur's eyes. He had never had anyone waiting for him like that.

Whether Hunith sensed his distress or had been coming out to him anyway, Arthur had no idea. But gentle arms suddenly pulled him into a hug and a hand stroked his hair.

"It's alright, Arthur," Hunith soothed. "Everything is going to be alright."

Arthur looked over her shoulder to see Merlin turn his back and walk back into the house. His shoulders were stiff and Arthur was sure he had been crying. Arthur didn't blame him; this house and his mother was all that Merlin had and now he was being forced to walk away from it all because of Arthur. But Merlin disappeared, giving Arthur the privacy he needed to let down his defences and express his emotions over everything that had happened. Despite his dreams of being a prince and what that would entail, Arthur would have given anything for none of this to happen.

"I'm sorry," he muttered into Hunith's shoulder. She pulled back, dabbing his eyes for him and fixing him with a firm look.

"None of this is your fault, Arthur. Remember that. No matter what anyone says, you didn't ask for any of this to happen. Now," she made a visible effort to pull herself together. "You know what a trouble maker Merlin is. I need you to promise to look after him for me?"

Arthur nodded quickly. He wiped his eyes himself with the cuff of his sleeve, taking a deep breath as he tried to follow her lead and be strong.

"I promise. I won't let him get into trouble."

"I'm not sure anyone can stop that," Hunith said drily and Arthur laughed. She smiled at him in response and cupped his cheek, looking into his eyes. "Give us a moment?"

Arthur nodded. When she drew back and turned to enter the house, Arthur moved further down the path. He perched on the small gate. The paint was peeling and Arthur wasn't sure he had ever seen it repainted his entire life. If Merlin came to Camelot with him, who would be here to help out Hunith? Arthur stopped his thoughts before they ran away from him. The king had made it quite clear Merlin had no choice but to come as well. Wishing otherwise wouldn't get him anywhere.

Arthur didn't have long to wait until Merlin reappeared. He was walking fast, storming back towards the knights without a backwards glance. He had a bag thrown loosely over one shoulder. Arthur jumped off the gate and ran after him. He knew Merlin didn't like to show his emotions any more than Arthur did. Not looking back was Merlin's way of stopping himself from breaking down. Arthur quickly fell into step with his friend.

"Are you alright?"

Merlin grunted in response and Arthur didn't push it. They walked in silence towards the knights and Arthur was acutely aware of everyone watching them. The red cloaks came into view and Merlin's shoulders had tensed further when Will suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Where are you going?" he demanded, taking Merlin by the arm and trying to pull him off to one side. "Merlin, you really don't want to go near them."

The concern in his voice meant Arthur knew he knew about Merlin's magic. It didn't surprise him but he fixed Will with a look that had the other boy glaring challengingly.

"Let him go, Will. We need to go."

"You don't speak for him," Will retorted. "Merlin, what's going on? You were supposed to meet me yesterday and you never showed up."

"I'm sorry," Merlin's voice was choked. "Something happened. Ask my mother, she'll explain it. But I really need to go now."

"With those men? With him?" There was an accusing note in Will's voice as he nodded at Arthur. "You don't have to do anything, Merlin."

If Merlin had had longer to deal with leaving his mother, Arthur knew he would have been able to handle his friend. But right now, Will's words made Merlin's shoulders shake and he glanced away, unable to meet anyone's eyes. Arthur didn't know what to say that wouldn't make things worse.

"We should move off, Sire." The knights had all moved closer and one rested his hand on the hilt of his sword when he saw the defensive stance Will had adopted. Arthur nodded but his eyes were locked on Merlin. He wasn't going to make this harder for his friend than he had to.

"Sire? Who do you think you are, someone high and mighty?" Will sneered. Arthur knew they had always had a strange relationship, but the contempt in Will's voice made Arthur flush with anger. He hadn't been through the events of the last few days – the chains, the cage, Nimueh's death – to let Will talk to him like that.

"Everyone's high and mighty compared to you." Arthur stated, meeting Will's gaze challengingly. He heard Merlin let out a sigh of exasperation but Arthur didn't have the chance to say anything else before Will had thrown himself at him. Usually, Arthur would have been able to stand his ground. But he was caught off guard and the pair of them were sent tumbling to the ground. Rolling around in the dirt as he tried to get the upper hand, Arthur forgot about everyone watching. Will straddled him, but Arthur kicked out quickly and reversed their positions. As Arthur rolled on top of the younger boy, hands caught him under the shoulders and hauled him off. For a second, Arthur struggled against the hold before remembering it was a knight who had hold of him and any struggles would be pointless – the man could hold him with ease.

"Enough. You are not a village boy anymore, you are the Prince of Camelot and you will behave as such. The king will hear of this."

"Fine." The hold lessened and Arthur shrugged himself free. "Then tell him. Tell him how much work he has to do before he actually has an heir."

Arthur was angry but he didn't know what at. It wasn't Will – he didn't care enough what Will thought of him to let it affect him in that way. He supposed it was their assumption that he would suddenly know how to act like a prince just because he had met his father. They were in for a nasty shock then, for village life was the only thing that Arthur knew.

"Prince?" Will spat, climbing to his feet. Merlin stepped forward this time, taking Will's arm and whispering quietly in his ear. Arthur couldn't hear what was being said, but Will's eyes went wide and he stared at Arthur in shock. He drew back and looked at Merlin, who nodded. Without a backward glance, Will hurried off in the direction of Hunith's home.

"We should go," Leon said quietly. Out of all of the knights, he looked most amused by the way events had unfolded. He eyed Arthur's clothes. "And possibly find a stream where they can wash."

Arthur glanced down at himself and realised he was covered in dust and dirt. He grimaced, catching Merlin's eye as his friend also looked at him. Merlin snorted in amusement and Arthur felt the tension between the two of them lift.

"Very princely," Merlin teased. Arthur made to make a retort when his eyes fell on Merlin's bag. At least he had belongings to take. Nimueh had burnt the cottage, had destroyed everything Arthur had ever known. The thought was enough for him to realise how much he had lost and Arthur felt himself sway. Merlin's hand on his elbow steadied him.

"Come on," Merlin said quietly. "Let's get out of here."

If it had been one of the knights who had spoken, Arthur would have ignored them. But the fact it was Merlin – the one person who had been through as much as him, if not more – meant Arthur nodded. The two of them glanced at each other and Merlin nodded encouragingly. Arthur returned it before turning on his heel and stalking out of the village. Merlin matched his pace, the knights following behind.

Arthur just hoped things stayed this way. With Merlin by his side, he felt like he could get through this. The idea of handling this on his own made him shudder and quicken his pace. He wanted it to be over and knew that was never going to be an option.

There was no coming back to this life ever again. He had a new calling waiting for him in Camelot.