Words: 4,627

King Uther has married. The news traveled fast, even outside of Camelot. Merlin is surprised when he hears this. He didn't take the king to be someone to marry again. Or maybe he didn't think anyone would marry him. Though, the young warlock reasons, he is a king. It's probably a political thing.

Something about it doesn't sit right with Merlin. He tries to ignore this feeling. It might be anger, he's not sure. It simmers in the bottom of his gut. Why does Uther get everything? A kingdom, a family. How does he get to be happy and healthy when Merlin has nothing? All taken from him by that very man. When a whole new feeling takes over because of these thoughts, Merlin realizes that simmering is the cause of another.

He and Gwaine parted ways a few weeks ago. Merlin misses his friend but this is how it's always been. With Gwaine and Lancelot both. They're travelers, with paths in different directions.

Merlin's current path leads him closer to Camelot. He notices, of course, he does, he's spent his whole life avoiding the place. But he treads that line anyway. People need his help, he can't turn his back on them.

He's still disguising himself as a young physician. He's getting rather good at making people believe him. He's still frowned at because of his age but when he successfully treats the sick or injured, their doubts vanish. He's leaving the house of a young couple after informing them that their daughter will be fine with plenty of water and rest when he sees him. Merlin closes his eyes and shakes his head, unsure if he saw correctly.

Looking around, the warlock follows the head of dark hair that disappeared behind a few houses. When he turns the corner, he freezes when he sees the man has done the same. Merlin is about to call out when the man turns.

"Albyn," He greets with little surprise. He'd suspected all along but hadn't been sure. The druids camp near here but don't often enter villages or towns unless absolutely necessary.

"Emrys,"

"Don't," Merlin holds up his hand and shakes his head. "You know I hate that."

"You've been running from the truth your whole life," Albyn says while Merlin walks past him. He turns to watch the warlock but doesn't follow. "You can't run forever."

"Watch me," Merlin shouts over his shoulder.

"Arthur is in danger," As calm as ever, Albyn speaks these words. Merlin pauses and looks at his feet before turning back to the man. "He needs your help."

"What do you mean? How do you know that?" Merlin backtracks and steps up to Albyn. The man is older than him but Merlin is taller.

"Uther's new wife..." Albyn trails off, clearly hesitating. Merlin motions for him to continue. "Is a troll."

Merlin blinks so slowly that his eyes stay closed for a few seconds. When he reopens them, Albyn is still standing there, his face as serious as it always has been. "Come again?"

"Uther Pendragon is enchanted and has married a troll."

After a few moments of disbelief and silence, Merlin snorts. "Oh, this is too good," He lifts a fist to his mouth to silence his laughs. "A troll!? A real-life troll?"

"Yes," The druid sighs, looking much like a father who is not surprised by their child's disappointing actions, but just as exhausted by them. "A troll. And she means to kill Arthur." That causes Merlin to become more somber.

"What, why? How do you know that?"

"Without his natural air to the throne, nothing stands in the creature's way. She will kill Arthur and Uther and take over Camelot. You can't let that happen."

Ignoring the fact that he only answered one of Merlin's questions, the boy groans. "Why is that my responsibility? Why not someone else?"

"We don't choose our destinies," Merlin rolls his eyes.

"Well, destiny can go fu-"

"You are Emrys," Albyn cuts him off. "It has been written since the dawn of time. You and Arthur, the once and future king. Two sides of the same coin. You will bring-"

"The land of Albion, yeah, yeah, I know," Merlin grumbles. "It also doesn't make any sense. If you'd met the prince, you would see that as well."

"Merlin," The use of his birth name out of the druid's mouth catches Merlin by surprise. "Prince Arthur is in danger now. You're the only one who can help him."

Sighing, Merlin's shoulders droop. "Fine."

Merlin paces the border for longer than he'll ever admit to. He's been in Camelot before, he has to remind himself multiple times. But that was at night, when he snuck in with the shadows. No one saw him. Now everyone can see him.

No one knows, Merlin repeats to himself over and over again. Well, someone knows but that very someone has much bigger problems right now. Merlin is able to see the true toll this marriage has taken on Camelot. It hasn't been a few days and people are already starting to struggle.

No one seems to know that their new queen is a troll, Merlin has no idea how the druids know. So it's up to him to make them see her for what she truly is. Merlin snorts quietly to himself. He still can't believe that Uther married a troll.

Before parting ways, Albyn told Merlin of a man inside Camelot who can be trusted. Someone who could help him. It's nerve-racking but Merlin calmly asks a guard where he can find this Gaius and is simply directed toward the physician's chambers.

He knocks on the old wooden door and waits for a response. An old voice calls out and he steps inside. "Gaius?"

"Yes," The man turns, the wrinkles around his eyes becoming more noticeable when he squints at Merlin. "How may I help you?"

"Uhhh," Merlin stumbles. He'd been so focused on acting natural walking into Camelot, that he hadn't thought about what he was going to say. "I'm Merlin." He says lamely.

"Merlin?" Before he can stutter over his words anymore, Gaius sets down the vial in his hand and steps forward. He observes the boy closely before gently asking. "Hunith's son?"

"You-you knew my mother?" Merlin breathes, for a moment, all thoughts of the troll and destiny leave Merlin's mind.

"Come, sit," Gaius guides Merlin by his arm to a nearby bench. "I knew her well," He informs the younger man once they're sitting. "She was a wonderful woman. You have her eyes. And I'm sure your father's talents."

"I-" Merlin shakes his head but Gaius calms him.

"It's alright," He assures. "Worry not, your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you," Merlin sighs in relief. Then he remembers why he's here. "Uther has married a troll." Similar to his own reaction, Gaius blinks slowly.

"A troll?"

"I know it sounds crazy," Merlin jumps to his feet. "But it's true. I-" Well, he hasn't seen it himself. Why did he just take Albyn for his word?

Inhaling deeply, Gaius pushes himself to his feet. "I'm afraid you might be right."

"You believe me?" Merlin asks in surprise.

"I've known something was off about the Lady Catrina since the day she arrived," Gaius steps over to another table. "I must say I hadn't suspected a troll."

"Wouldn't have been my first guess," Merlin mumbles. "We have to stop her."

"But how?"

"I was going to ask you that," Merlin admits. Gaius gives him a look and the young man sighs. "We'll need proof, right? We can very well walk up to the king and tell him he's gone and married a troll."

"No, I don't imagine he would take kindly to the accusation."

"Right," Merlin nods and lifts his hand to his mouth in thought. "She's disguising herself somehow, we just need to find out how."

"A good start," Gaius nods. For a moment, the two of them just stand there in silence. Merlin wants nothing more than to ask about his mother, how Gaius knew her and how he seems to know about him but he has a more time-pressing problem on his hands.

"How do I do that?" He eventually questions.

"I'd say following her would be a good start,"

"Follow around the new queen of Camelot? I have a feeling that won't be so easy."

"No," Gaius shakes his head with a thoughtful look. "I guess you'll have to be discreet about it."

"Really? That's your advice?"

"There's not much else we can do, my boy," Gaius shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders.

"Uh, one problem," Merlin holds up a single finger and steps toward the older man. Gaius raises an eyebrow and Merlin purses his lips. "The prince..."

"What about the prince?"

"Well, running around the castle, I'm bound to run into him, maybe," Merlin shrugs.

"The point, Merlin."

"Right, uhh...well, Arthur and I have met before," Merlin confesses. "And he knows. About the, you know," Merlin waves his hands around in no real pattern but Gaius seems to understand.

"That could be a problem," Merlin stops mid nod and furrows his brows in thought.

"Or maybe not," He says slowly. "Yeah, if I just explain to Arthur-"

"Merlin-"

"No, we've worked together before," Merlin tries to assure him. "Though we weren't in Camelot and he didn't really have a choice...maybe it's not a good idea."

"I'm not sure you can avoid it," Groaning, Merlin turns away and runs his hands through his hair. "Merlin, calm down."

"Calm down?" Merlin twists back around to face the other man. "What am I to say to those who ask who I am? Why I'm here? I barely even understand it myself."

"Tell them you're my new apprentice," Gaius says as if it's the most simple thing in the world. Merlin opens his mouth to argue but stops.

"That could work," He says slowly. "I do have some knowledge in the arts."

"Probably best to keep some of the knowledge to yourself," Stepping forward, Gaius reaches for the straps of Merlin's bag. "Let's see this. You can't go walking around like that."

"Right," Merlin shreds his cloak once his bag is off. "How do I look?"

"You'll blend in perfectly," Merlin cocks his head to the side as if debating with himself if that's a good thing or not.

"I guess I'll go," He points to the door. He's never been in the castle before today but he's always had a good sense of direction, he should learn the halls quickly. "I'll be back," Stopping at the door, Merlin looks over his shoulder. "Hopefully."

Gaius bows his head and says a quick prayer.

Merlin finds he can walk through the halls with ease. More ease than what seems right. Gaius must have been right, he really does blend in. No one seems to spare him a second glance, thinking him to be just another servant. It works well.

He finds Catrina and follows her back to her room. He checks that he's alone in the hall before peering through a small grate he has to stand on a table to reach. The woman drops her facade as she speaks to another man. Jonah, she calls him in her rough, snarled voice. Merlin scrunches up his nose at the mixture she drinks. That must be it, it has to be. That's what is keeping her in this human form.

Merlin nearly trips climbing off the table. But he manages to catch himself and he hides, ready to keep a close eye on the troll disguised as Catrina. He wants to see her in her real form for himself. He'll feel more confident about this whole thing, even if he's already sure of her true nature.

And so he waits, and watches, and follows. Until finally he sees her turn back. And smells her. Merlin gags and holds a hand over his mouth before turning to run. He's not sure he's smelled anything worse.

His legs carrying him fast, Merlin doesn't stop until he reaches Gaius's chambers. He barges in and slams the door behind him, his back leaning against the wood. "She's a troll alright," He informs the white-haired man. "A big, ugly, smelly troll."

"It's good that you know that. But how do we tell the king?"

"I know how she's turning herself human," Merlin steps further into the room. "She keeps some kind of potion locked in a cabinet in her room. Where she's not sleeping, by the way."

"Did you get a sample of this potion?"

"No," Merlin reports. "Not yet. But I will. Jonah is there right now, I'll wait until he's out tomorrow."

"Well for tonight," Gaius ushers Merlin to the table and sets a plate of food down in front of him. "When's the last time you ate?"

"Yesterday," When Gaius gives a disapproving look, Merlin shrinks into himself. "I forgot."

"You must take better care of yourself," Gaius chastises caringly and sits across from the boy. "You can sleep up there," He gestures towards the room up the stairs behind them. "You'll need your rest."

"Thank you," Merlin feels his heart warm and smiles down at his food. People are usually nice once they realize he can help them. But most can barely take care of themselves, much less a stranger. Lancelot and Gwaine are his friends, his brothers, but he hasn't had someone take care of him like a father in a long time. Not since he was a child. He can barely remember what that feels like. But he thinks this is it.

Merlin is on his way to Catrina's room when something grabs him. Merlin yelps when he's roughly pulled into a room off the hallway and scrambles not to lose his balance. When he looks up to see his attacker, his heart stops.

"What are you doing here?" Arthur growls in his face and Merlin tries to back away but the prince follows his every step.

"That's a funny story really," Merlin tries to laugh but Arthur continues to glare. When his back hits the cold, stone wall, angry prince advancing on him quickly, he blurts out. "Your new stepmother is a troll."

It causes pause. Arthur gives an unimpressed look but he steps away. Merlin releases a breath, only now realizing that he hadn't since he laid eyes on the prince. "What kind of game is this?"

"It's not," Merlin shakes his head. "I promise, she's a troll. I've seen it myself."

"You expect me to believe you, a sorcerer, that the Lady Catrina, is a troll?"

As if it's the simplest thing in the world, Merlin nods. "Yeah. And I can prove it. I just need time."

"If you think I'm just going to let you roam around the castle, you're wrong," Arthur reaches for him but Merlin ducks out of his reach.

"You can't tell me you haven't noticed something is wrong," Merlin raises his hands and slowly backs away from an advancing Arthur. "Your father is enchanted, Catrina is controlling his mind. She's a troll and she would see you and Uther dead."

"How dare you-"

"Why would I lie about this?" Merlin cuts him off. "Where's the logic? What do I gain from it? I'm trying to help you. Again. Need I remind you, you would be dead if it wasn't for me."

"I-" Arthur stops himself with a growl. He points at Merlin silently before running the same hand through his hair.

"Just give me a chance to prove I'm right," Merlin pleads. "And if I'm wrong then...then you can kill me yourself."

Arthur looks at him with squinted eyes and sighs. "Fine," He grinds out through gritted teeth. "But I will be keeping a close eye on you. Understood? One step out of line, one, and I won't hesitate to run you through."

"Right," Merlin does not squeak. Then just to clarify, he asks. "How close of an eye?"

Two jobs in two days. That's got to be a new record for Merlin. Even if those jobs are fake. It turns out, Arthur's close eye means never letting Merlin out of his sight. And the only good excuse for that is to hire him as his new manservant. Apparently, he'd just fired his latest one anyway. Merlin isn't sure the poor boy didn't just quit.

Arthur told Merlin he looks the part. Merlin interpreted it as an insult. But so far, the ruse is working. Only, it's much harder to do what he needs to do with a giant, bone-headed prince following him around.

"You want me to what?"

"Be lookout," Merlin explains. "It's pretty simple, even for you." Arthur looks ready to strangle him so Merlin continues. "I just need to grab the potion then I'll be out. Easy."

Clenching his jaw, Arthur seems to be fighting against his own bones before he shoves Merlin towards the door. "Hurry up!" He hisses and Merlin smiles before rushing inside. It's simple enough, Merlin has used magic to unlock many closed doors, this isn't any different. He takes a single bottle and hides it in his pocket before rushing from the room.

"Got it," He tells Arthur and the two quickly start down the hall.

"Now what?"

"Now we duplicate it without the magic and sooner or later...troll." Merlin explains. Poorly, if Arthur's expression is anything to go by.

"You better not be lying,"

"Trust me, I'm not."

Merlin almost wants to say 'I told you so' but it doesn't feel like the time.

Gaius managed to replicate the potion - which was absolutely vile - and Catrina reveals herself as she truly is. There's only one problem. The enchantment on Uther is so strong, that he can't see it. Despite her grotesque form and the words from his son, his ward, and everyone around him, the king refuses to believe it.

"I don't understand," Arthur nearly shouts as he paces back and forth. The only good thing about this is that Arthur finally believes him. "Why can't he see what's happening?"

"He's enchanted," Merlin explains. "A very strong enchantment, it would seem."

"How do we break it?" Arthur demands. He slams his hands down on the table and Merlin raises an eyebrow.

"Why do you assume I know?"

"You're the sorcerer!"

"Say it louder, I don't think the entire castle heard you!" Merlin stands and matches Arthur's position. Sighing, the prince falls into the closest chair and buries his face in his hands. "Just...give me some time, I'll figure it out."

When Arthur doesn't respond, Merlin points to the door. "I'm just going to...go do that. Without you watching me."

"Go," Arthur waves his hand and Merlin leaves before the prince changes his mind. There's someone else he has yet to talk to about this.

Kilgharrah thinks it's hilarious. Merlin can't blame him for not caring. Uther has had him trapped under the castle for twenty years. And he killed the last of his kin.

After the great dragon stops laughing, he tells Merlin what he must do to break the enchantment. Immediately, Merlin knows it's going to be hard - if at all possible - getting Arthur to agree to it. So instead, Merlin gets Gaius to convince him.

"Are you sure about this?" Arthur asks the old man with apprehension clear in his voice.

"Quite, sure," Guias nods. "It's perfectly safe. One drop of the antidote, and the effects will be reversed immediately ."

"Antidote? No one said anything about an antidote," The prince glares at Merlin who holds his hands up.

"I didn't think it was important," He mumbles.

"It's perfectly safe if it's administered in time."

"Not important?" Arthur growls and Merlin shrugs.

"Maybe a little important."

"Worry not," Gaius tries to reassure. Merlin doesn't think it's working. "Merlin here will be hiding and once the spell is broken, he'll give you the antidote with time to spare."

"Merlin?" Arthur questions. "My hands are in the life of a sorcerer!?"

"Really?" Merlin complains but his word goes unheard. "Like it hasn't been before."

"Oh, you-"

"Sire, we must do this now," Gaius stops the two and holds out the poison potion to the prince.

Harshly blowing air out his nose, Arthur pins Merlin with a sharp glare. "Don't be late."

"I'm never late," Merlin assures. The prince doesn't need to know that that isn't necessarily true. He's on time enough.

Hesitating, the blonde looks between the physician and Merlin before reaching for the bottle. Gaius holds it back. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"It's the only way to save Camelot," Arthur nods before downing the liquid in one go.

Everyone seems to hold their breath but after a few seconds, nothing happens. They look between each other and Arthur shrugs before suddenly falling over. Merlin grunts as he catches the prince, nearly falling to the floor with him. "He's heavier than he looks," The warlock grunts. "An he looks heavy."

"It's time to break the bad news to Uther," Gaius ignores Merlin's unnecessary comments and motions the boy to hide as they'd planned.

When Gaius returns, Uther is rushing ahead of him. He crouches by his son's side, whispering words to his seemingly dead son. Catrina soon follows behind them, trying to pull the king away but as a tear falls down the man's face, he sees the troll for what she truly is.

While the guards are fighting the creature, Merlin rushes to Arthur's side and drops the antidote between his parted lips. Just as Gaius said, the effects are almost immediate. Arthur wakes and Merlin helps him to his feet. He charges the troll but still weakened from the poison, he falters and she pushes him back.

Merlin flinches when he sees Jonah approaching Arthur. He's about to step in when the prince knocks Jonah over and runs him through. Behind, Catrina approaches the prince. Merlin mumbles under his breath and the rug is pulled out from under her. She falls to the floor, leaving her vulnerable to a final attack from Arthur.

Merlin has to cover his nose and mouth at the smell. He grimaces and shares a look with Arthur.

"I don't think that could have gone any better," Merlin smiles at Gaius while packing his things. The old man offers a small grin and Merlin falters. "Gaius, are you okay?"

"Yes, my boy," The man nods. "Come here, sit." Obeying, Merlin moves across the room to sit beside the man. "You did well today."

"Thank you," Merlin preens at the praise and sits a little straighter.

"But you must be careful," Along with his warning, Gaius pats Merlin's hands and the boy's shoulders droop.

"I've been careful my whole life," He reminds the man. "My parents taught me that much."

"They were good people, both of them."

"Tell me about them?" Merlin asks hopefully and twists to face the man more. "It's been so long I...I can barely remember their faces."

"Your mother was kind," Gaius starts with a thoughtful expression. "Very caring, of all those around her. She loved you very dearly. As well as your father. He was a dragon lord, you know."

"He told me," Merlin nods. "He said...he said I would be when he was gone."

"Yes," Gaius nods once. "The gift is passed from father to son, but only through the death of the father."

"It's not fair," Merlin whispers as heat fills his eyes.

"No, it's not," The old physician agrees sadly. "They were taken from you too soon." Sniffing, Merlin runs his hands over his face. "But you're strong, Merlin, just as they were. And just as brave. They live on through you."

"I want to make them proud."

"Oh, my boy, they are," Gaius assures him. "They would be so proud of you." He uses his hold on Merlin's hand to gently pull the young man into a comforting hug. "As am I."

"Thank you," Merlin whispers into his ear before pulling away and wiping his eyes once more. Before any more words can be shared between the two, the door opens. Merlin is on his feet in a second. Gaius is slow to follow.

"Sire," The older man greets respectfully. "How may I help you?"

"I actually wanted to speak with Merlin," The blonde gestures to the warlock whose eyebrows have risen up his forehead. The prince sees the glance the physician sends the young boy and sighs. "It's fine, Gaius, I just want to talk."

"I won't be far," It sounds like a warning, Merlin isn't sure. But he watches the older man go with only a small wish that he would stay.

"You don't have to worry," Merlin starts before Arthur can with a gesture towards his bag. "I'll be gone by sundown."

"Right," The prince nods once and steps further into the room. "I just wanted to let you know that I never doubted you." Scoffing, Merlin raises a single eyebrow at the older man. "Okay, maybe I did," Arthur concedes. "But you are a sorcerer."

"And that automatically makes me a liar?"

"Yes-" The word seems to escape Arthur's mouth almost unconsciously. The man stops as soon as he hears the word off his lips and has the decency to look regretful. "Can you blame me? There's something about you, you're shady. Like you're hiding something."

Huffing, Merlin leans on the table behind him. "Hiding something? I haven't lied to you once, ever. You're the one with the prejudice."

It's Arthur's turn to scoff. "Prejudice? I do not have pr-" Sighing, Arthur mimics Merlin's position and leans back against one of Gaius's many tables. "Okay, maybe you're right."

Blinking, Merlin shakes his head. "Di-did I hear that right?"

"Yes, Merlin," Arthur rolls his eyes. "And I won't be repeating it."

"I'll take it," The warlock shrugs. Clearing his throat, Merlin gestures towards the window. It'll be sundown soon. "I should be going."

"It's late, you should stay the night at least," Arthur's words are casual. Merlin looks to the prince over his shoulder to see the man looking at his hand as if it's the most important thing in the kingdom.

"I figured you would be chasing me out of town," Merlin informs him but doesn't stop collecting his things.

"Well, you did help save Camelot," The words appear to physically pain Arthur to say. "You deserve to stay for some time...rest or whatever."

"That would be great actually," Merlin sighs in relief. He had no plan for the night. Just to get as far as Camelot as he could and set up camp. It would be nice to sleep in a real bed under a real roof for another night. "You won't-"

"Tell anyone?" Arthur guesses. "Of course not," He scoffs. "Who do you take me for?"

"The Prince of a land where magic is outlawed?" Merlin offers a toothy grin against the deadpan glare Arthur sends him.

"It'd be my ass as much as it would be yours."

"I somehow doubt that," Merlin mutters. Then more seriously, he says. "Thank you, Arthur."

"Don't get into trouble," Arthur waves off his words and stands straight. "I catch one whiff of magic and I'll be dragging you down to the dungeons."

"Of course," Merlin nods. "You have nothing to worry about from me."

Sighing, Arthur shakes his head to himself. "I somehow doubt that."

How did the druids know? The crystal of Neahtid, I guess. You never know with those guys.

Thanks for reading! I would love to know what you guys think of this chapter.

'-'