Hunith watched her son worry the hem of his tunic as they sat on the hill overlooking her small village. Merlin had his legs stretched out in the grass, back bowed over his lap where his fingers twisted into his shirt.
It is every mother's fate to worry her child is unhappy, yet she would give her life that Merlin were not so. If Arthur decided to go back to Camelot, Merlin would unquestionably follow and be once again burdened with his heavy secret.
"You are always welcome here," she spoke into the night air, already knowing his answer.
He lifted his chin. His gaze steadied ahead, "My place is by Arthur's side."
Once, a long time ago, she had wished her son was ordinary. But now, seeing all the good he had achieved, the man he had become…she was proud of him and his magic and would not change a thing.
It was a while yet before the door burst open and Arthur strode with purpose toward them.
Merlin scrambled up, but Arthur walked past him.
"Hunith," he sounded like a King, "you've already given so much, but I have another favor to ask." There were circles under his eyes.
Hunith gave a small bow of her head, "Of course, anything, Your Majesty."
Arthur sighed, "It's Arth - nevermind, just-" he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Guinevere would like to stay with you for a few days, if it's no trouble."
"She can stay as long as she likes," Hunith replied.
Arthur nodded, "Thank you. Merlin-" the King finally acknowledged his manservant who snapped to attention at his name. "Come." Then Arthur headed into the woods, towards their hut.
For a moment, the way Merlin stood tall, a solemn expression heavy with responsibility, her son reminded her of-
"Merlin!"
Then Merlin rolled his eyes and mouthed 'prat' before giving his mother a quick embrace and dashing after his King.
No, there was one thing she would change for her son: that in matters of the heart he not repeat the mistake of his father who chose safety over happiness.