Merlin ate quietly leaving his father to his mental musings. When Uther was finally ready to speak he cleared his throat, causing his son to direct his attention at the king. "Are you willing to join the ranks of the Knights of Camelot"? Merlin groaned internally. He hoped he could avoid this conversation. Fighting was not something he liked to do, even though he was now quite proficient at it, having being trained by the best in the land. Contrary to popular belief there are swordsmen in Albion better than Arthur Pendragon and Merlin was privileged to have been tutored by one.

"No, I'll leave the fighting to Arthur, he's the Knight, I'm the scholar remember". Merlin smiled at his father, his twinkling eyes reminding the king so much of his late wife that Uther almost choked on the strong influx of emotions they brought back. Everyone thought Arthur inherited the best of Ygraine because he inherited his mother's looks but it was Merlin who had her spirit.

"I think your brother would disagree, especially after today". They both shared a small chuckle at that.

"I need you to stay close to him, he needs a voice of reason his own age" Merlin rolled his eyes at that "to guide him".

Taking some time to think, the young man replied, "Do the Knights need a physician?" His father looked at him skeptically. "Gaius can vouch for my skill and I can hold my own in a fight so I would be more asset than a burden on campaigns".

"I would like nothing more than to witness the full range of your skills Merlin".

"Don't worry father at some point you probably will". He replied. Before their conversation could move forward though there was a knock at the door.

"Come in"

"Sire, the Lady Helen has arrived" the servant relayed while bowing. "And that's my reason to leave, I need to get dressed for the feast and then escort Morgana from her rooms". Merlin got off his seat and made his way towards the door.

"You will be escorting Morgana"? Uther inquired.

"That's what I promised her this morning". He replied back smiling.

"Where are your things? I was remiss, I should have requested the servants prepare you a room".

"Nonsense father, I hardly gave you any time. I will stay the night with Gaius and before you protest, I have slept on, cold hard ground for five years, a night on an old cot is not going to kill me". Uther was going to protest but even he realized they had run out of time for any further arrangement.

"Very well, we will continue our conversation tomorrow then".

Uther then turned to the servant "Take instructions to the serving staff, Prince Merlin's old room must be ready for him by tomorrow is this understood". The young servant, a boy of sixteen at most, blinked in surprise as he turned to look briefly at Merlin in awe. He caught himself quickly, however, before scrambling to follow the king's order with a "Yes Sire".

"I shall see you at the celebration father," Merlin said before he leaving the room right after.

When Merlin reaches Gaius's chambers the elder was not anywhere in sight, so he made his way to the small room at the end of the main chamber. He saw a basin of water and a washcloth kept ready for him when he entered. Gaius, always two steps ahead. Merlin went to the bed where his satchel lay and retrieved, from within it, a neatly wrapped package containing his attire for the evening. After setting out the clothes he went back to the basin, he spent some time observing his reflection in the obsidian stone hanging just above it and made a decision.

Gaius came in not long after, noticing the inner room's closed-door he called, "Merlin"?

"In here, just give me a moment". As Gaius turned to unload his medicine basket upon the table, the door to the room opened but as he turned to address the young man, what he saw, stopped his speech. There stood Prince Merlin, looking the part of a true royal, his hair groomed so that the earlier wind-swept waves were now slightly straightened, his face cleanly shaved and smooth bringing out his previously hidden youthful looks. He was dressed in a royal blue high neck tunic, a long length of maroon silk fabric draped in neat folds, one end going over his left shoulder and the front wrapped twice, loosely around his left forearm with the end left hanging just below. He wore black trousers that seamlessly melded into knee-high black boots.

Gaius looked the young man in the eye before dipping into a low bow "Your Highness" he proclaimed in a reverent voice before rising. Merlin looked back and nodded at the old man and head held high he moved forward towards the exit. Welcome to Camelot Emrys and may magic once again return to this kingdom through you the elder spoke to the man's mind. Merlin paused at the door before replying "Thank You Gaius" and without turning left the room.

The young prince made his way through the halls, this time using the main passageways of the castle. As he passed by, servants and guards alike turned to look up and watch him pass. News of the prince's return had already made its way through the entire palace. He nodded and smiled at the familiar faces of older residents as he walked by. He eventually made it to the door of Morgana's rooms and knocked lightly. The door was opened by Gwen who stared at him in shock before bowing and moving back to let her mistress move forward. Merlin took a deep breath and admired the beauty before him. A golden singlet rested on her crown, most of her hair held up, with wavy ringlets framing her face. The red silk dress flowing gracefully down her body was held in place by a thick golden chain haltered around her neck, leaving her shoulders and upper back bare.

Morgana was taken aback by the handsome prince standing at her door and when he smiled, she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. It had been her intention to leave him speechless tonight but he seemed to be doing a better job of returning the favor. Merlin raised his hand in a gesture requesting hers and as Morgana placed her hand into his, he brought her knuckles up to his lips and brushed them with a gentle kiss before stepping back though not letting go. "Shall we, My Lady"?

"Of course, your highness". Morgana bowed slightly before falling into step with him as they made their way to the banquet hall.

Merlin and Morgana stopped outside the wooden doors and awaited their announcement to the guests. "Ready"? He asked looking at her with a smirk on his lips and mischief in his eyes.

"Always" replied Morgana mirroring the expression with a confident upward twist of her lips.

"Announcing, His Royal Highness, Prince Merlin Pendragon and The Lady Morgana Le Fay. The doors opened and they walked through. The entire room fell silent and simply watched them glide forward gracefully hand in hand.

Arthur, who was sitting on his father's left whispered "Lord have mercy" as he watched Morgana and his brother move towards the high table. Uther held his son's eye as they came closer gracing him with a slight smile. They look like a young newly betrothed royal couple he mused happily. Merlin led Morgana to her seat at Uther's left bowed as he lay yet another kiss to the back of her hand.

"Kindly do save me the honor of a dance," he requested with a gentle smile.

"Of course my lord" she replied and with one final gently caress with his thumb to the back of her hand he let go and moved to the front of the table. He stood tall before Uther, held his gaze and then gave a low bow, conveying utmost respect. He then rose and moved a little further down the table and to everyone's amazement and to his brother's and father's astonishment he repeated the gesture before Arthur. He did this to apologize for his previous insult to the older prince and also so that Emrys could display his loyalty and respect to The Once and Future King. Merlin then took his seat as well, at his brother's right hand.

"Why bow to me"? asked Arthur turning to look at his twin's profile, he looks more like himself now "we are equals". He saw the left side of Merlin's lips curve into a smile before he replied without turning

"You're first in line". Merlin then looked to his left and facing his brother with serious eyes he continued "the people of Camelot will now need to start acknowledging you as their next king, they cannot see any competition between us, for the future stability of this kingdom we cannot afford for them to have their loyalties divided". Merlin then looked back ahead while Arthur, lost in his own thoughts, continued to stare at his sibling's face.