Chapter I

Merlin sits up on his bed still startled by the events of yesterday's attack and betrayal. His decision will always haunt him, but he firmly believed that there was no other choice. He had hoped that he and Morgana could be friends but after last night all he could worry about is her return. What would he even say to her. Would he even get a chance to speak or would he be sent straight to the guillotine for poisoning the King's ward.

He hopes that their friendship mattered to her as much as it did to him so that she would at least allow him the chance to defend himself before she took his betrayal to the king.

Merlin quickly changed and left the room quietly as Gauis was somehow still asleep. It was rare that he beat his guardian at rising, but Merlin couldn't really sleep. He started moving around the quarters quietly and made some oatmeal he debated whether he should serve himself but the picture of Morgana grabbing at her throat choking stopped him. He put the lid on the pot wrote a quick note for Gauis and left. Maybe a morning stroll would clear his head.

He ended up outside walking through the lower town when he spotted the cart he had wanted to use yesterday to carry the king. His mind then flashed to the moment where he and Lady Morgana were trying to drag the king around the palace while one of the dark knights was chasing them.

In this memory or rather daydream he imagined that instead of the hesitation he saw in the knight when it went after Morgana there was none. That when she fell and he abandoned her the knight went right for her. It's sword rising above its head before forcing the blade down. However, before the blade could even attempt to strike flesh Merlin ended his dream and kept walking till he was face to face with a very familiar door.

Gwen. Would she bother getting up today. Her mistress was gone. He knew that Arthur would never let anything happen to Gwen and that she would probably find another position in the royal household, but Morgana was much more than her mistress she was a close friend. He frowned. Merlin knew that no matter how miserable Gwen would feel she would be helping out trying to fix the damage caused to the city by Morgause and her seven knights of Medhir.

"I'm surprised there is not more damage to the palace." Merlin mumbled off handedly as he made his way to the kitchens.

Arthur would be miserable as well Morgana was his sister in all, but blood and despite their usual scorn he knew that they cared for each other. Merlin grabbed one of the empty trays and side stepped one of the dishwashers. It was almost time for him to go wake Arthur. He piled the tray with several meats from sausage to ham and bacon. He didn't know if Arthur would have an appetite, but he wanted the prince to know that he was there and that he cared without actually getting called out for acting like a girl. He added various cheeses along with grapes and an apple, a small bread roll. He then went to get a pitcher and filled it with water. Merlin frowned at his reflection before leaving the tray where it was and quickly heading down to the cellar to grab a bottle of wine. He was surprised when he wasn't questioned but Leon certainly gave him a weird look when he passed him in the hall.

Merlin carefully made his way to the king's chambers and set everything on the table as quietly as he could. He considered leaving thinking that maybe the prince would want some time alone this morning, but before he could even turn to start heading to the door he heard a noise coming from the bed.

He nodded at the prince without looking at him directly and went to open the curtains.

"Merlin?"

"Sire."

Arthur quickly got out of bed at that. Because apparently it wasn't strange enough for Merlin to arrive early with breakfast and not make any ridiculous comments to wake him. Merlin had to go and address him properly for once as well.

"Are you… alright?"

Merlin blinked. Was that a trick question? Morgana had just been taken and the kingdom was still recovering, and Arthur wanted to know if he was alright. Oh, dear the attack must be hitting the prince harder than he thought.

"I am… not alright, but I'll manage. Are you alright."

"Yes."

"Right."

Arthur turned away from the servant to look at the food and then he noticed the pitcher of wine and his eyes widened. Arthur was used to indulging in wine from time to time, but ever since Merlin took over as his manservant if he ever wanted to indulge he had to be specific about it other wise Merlin would just bring him water. In the beginning he was quite annoyed, but got used to the new routine not bothering to correct Merlin and force him to bring wine with his meals.

"You brought wine?"

"I thought after yesterday you might… if you don't the other pitcher has water."

"Are you sure you are alright?"

Merlin nodded and was about to retort when a sharp knocking stopped him.

"Enter." Arthur stated turning his attention away from his manservant to look at his first knight.

"Sire, the king demands your presence immediately."

Arthur nodded before turning to Merlin signaling him to get his clothes for the day before turning to Sir Leon to dismiss him.

Arthur made his way to the council chambers completely aware that Merlin hadn't said a word since they left his room. He turned his head slightly to look at the boy when he noticed he seemed lost. His eyes trailing the walls as if looking for something that wasn't there.

Arthur nodded at the guards to open the chamber doors and entered the room. "Father."

Ah Arthur I need you to ride out immediately there have been reports of…"

Arthur nodded to what his father had said he thought it was ridiculous to go check out an almost abandoned site due to some old wives tale, but he wasn't about to argue with the king. As he turned to tell Merlin to ready the horses he saw how Merlin froze and turned probably three shades paler than normal.

He turned to glance in the direction Merlin was looking at and smiled it was Gwen and Morgana. When he turned to look back at Merlin the prince saw how intently the servant was looking at him.

"You see her too?"

"What? Who?"

"Morgana."

Arthur turned back to see his adoptive sister whisper something to Gwen to make her grin before turning back to Merlin.

"Uhh yes. Merlin are you feeling ill you have been acting odd all day."

"Morgana she… I… How she…"

"Merlin? Are you alright."

Before Merlin could answer he took a step back losing his balance and started to collapse onto the floor. Arthur caught him quickly before the boy hit the ground, but the scene had already unraveled as he saw Gwen quickly make her way telling him that he should get the boy to Gaius, while Lady Morgana stood over Merlin checking his forehead for signs of a fever.