Merlin had dreamt of the feel of these lips, soft yet demanding, and as his own moved against hers he felt it, the spark of her magic connecting with his. It was a small flame compared to his raging fire but it could feel it growing the longer they stayed connected. This needs to stop now or Morgana's power may emerge sooner than either of us are prepared to deal with. He gently broke the kiss and looked at her again. "Why"?

"It's to seal my oath to you, I will protect your secret until my last day".

"I see"? He said disappointed

"Is something wrong"?

"I just hoped it was because you had finally decided to give me a chance".

"Is that what you want Merlin"?

He looked at her half-lidded eyes and sly expression before replying, his own smirk in place yet eyes determined "What I want, is what I have always wanted Morgana, to take you as my wife, to love you forever". She knew he loved her, she was the one who could never see past the thin, pale, big-eared exterior to the valiant knight within. Now, however, she could see him clearly, the man she was already falling in love with.

"I hope for you to one-day fulfill that want my lord".

Merlin couldn't contain his joy, he pulled her into his arms, face buried in her neck and hair, taking in the scent of her, never wanting to let go. Morgana's hands moved over his back, positioned to bring him close. She could feel the scars there, he was her warrior and her prince and she would always honor him as that. Both of them were interrupted by Will who chose that moment to enter with a tray of food.

He caught them release each other from their embrace. "I should take my leave" Morgana got up from her seat on his bed and moved to leave. She was however stopped by Merlin holding her hand and bringing her close and place his lips gently on her cheek, all the while completely aware of Will's presence. She was his now and he would make sure the entire world knew it. Morgana was taken aback by his boldness but she took it in stride. She bowed to him as he let go of her hand, turned to Will with a smile as she walked out of the room head held high.

"Did I interrupt something"? The boy asked boldly.

"I think we are both well aware of what you interrupted'. Merlin turned to face his servant. The boy put the tray of food on the table and turned to face his prince. "Tell me, Will, how many servants in the castle now know about their prince's disfigurement, how long do I have before my father hears of it"?

The young man's shoulder's stiffened and his face bore insult at the insinuation of malicious disclosure. Will's voice was cold with fury when he replied: "I may hate nobles my lord and I may be bad mouthed but I am not a snitch, your secrets are your own to keep or share".

Merlin looked at the man before him, he had learned that Hunit had sent him to Gaius after his father, a Knight in Cendred's army no less, passed away and he had been working in the castle ever since. "Your father was a Knight was he not"?

"Yes sire"?

"And yet you choose to be a servant in this castle"?

"With all due respect sire you could be one as well and yet you choose to be a physician and a scholar. My choices are my own and the consequences of those choices my own to bear".

If Merlin respected the man before, he held a greater option of him now. "Sit".

"I beg your pardon sire"?

"I can't very well finish everything on that dish myself and you look like you are about to keel over. So please sit and help yourself". As they both sat to eat Merlin turned to Will again "I require eyes and ears in the Castle, I am not asking you to spy on your friends or coworkers, just report to me if you hear anything that could be a threat to Camelot or the Royal family. It will be made part of your official duties and you will be compensated for any additional work. I will not force this upon you it is your choice to accept. However, should you choose to accept, you will report directly to me and should anyone, other than myself, require your services they will need me to permit you to serve them".

"Why are you offering me this"? Will asked a curious expression on his face.

"Because you are intelligent and I trust your judgment and l believe that you will not take advantage of this position. Additionally, you can fight and defend yourself, this role probably will be dangerous at some point so I would like you to think about it".

"And what happens if the king decides to penalize me for working under your orders"? Merlin looked at the young man, so fierce, he had so much potential… Merlin got up from his seat and went to his wardrobe we pulled out a wooden box that he set upon the table and opened it before Will.

Within lay, a ring inlaid with a Ruby decorated with the golden Pendragon Crest. "This is your surety, should you ever be placed in a position where you are required to defend yourself this will ensure that you have a private, just hearing before your king and your master. I must warn you, however, to keep it hidden and only use it in dire circumstances".

"You had it ready" Will smirked at him and Merlin reflected the look

"I knew you were bored" he shrugged. Both shared a laugh at that.

"Yes, I accept" Merlin smiled as he handed the jewelry to his servant who promptly hid it in his clothes.

Merlin was on his way to the training grounds, even if he wasn't a Knight in the official sense, Arthur relied on his judgment these days. The quality of trainees Camelot was receiving were deplorable, not a single one would stand a chance against the kingdom's squires. "Sire"! Came Will's voice from behind him causing Merlin to stop and turn. He hadn't seen his servant today, Gaius had requested for the boy's assistance.

Will ran up to him and without pause spoke: "I need to speak with you". Merlin understood this was important so he sent a quick message via a passing servant to Arthur before he followed Will towards Gaius's tower.

As soon as the door shut Will turned to him and began "I was gathering herbs for Gaius this morning and suddenly found myself chased by a winged monster, it happened at the bordering forest near the East gate of the Citadel".

Merlin looked at him "Are you alright"? Was the first thing the prince asked and Will was shocked hearing the concern

"yes, luckily I was saved by a traveler who saw. He pulled me out of the way and defended against the creature as long as he could before we thought it better to retreat, he was injured in the process though. He's inside, Gaius is tending to him". Will gestured to the room Merlin stayed in when he had returned home. Merlin nodded and walked towards it, he opened the door and was greeted with the sight of Gaius cleaning a wound on the man's right side as he lay unconscious. Merlin took a look at the man's face and recognition hit him immediately. He had seen this face many times within the crystals, Lancelot du Lac the bravest and most Noble knight of Camelot had arrived, how serendipitous.

"How is he, Gaius"? It was Will, who asked, he had followed his prince into the chamber and stood at his right side.

"He is well, the wound is not as bad as it seems on the outside, he just requires rest". Merlin looked at the old physician

"I want him well cared for and rested Gaius and I also want to be alerted as soon as he revives". Gaius looked at him curiously, seeing something in Merlin's eyes, just nodded at his prince's command

"As you wish sire".