Author's note: Sorry, guys. I apologize a thousand times for this late update. I got seventeen reviews for the last chapter. But still, I was rude to be late. But my father bought me Assassin's Creed Syndicate last week. So, I was playing the game whole week ignoring my writing. But fear not. I have finished that awesome game and begun to write furiously. You can expect some quick updates this week. Sorry again for this short chapter. I hope you will enjoy it. Oh! Now I have 200+ followers. Hurrah!

On with the story.

Chapter 26

A request of an alliance

" The King of Magic's name is Merlin Ignotus Ambrsius. "

No one made a single sound after those words had come out of King James's mouth.

The room was so silent that Arthur could even hear the sound of Guinevere's quickened breathing right beside him. He looked around to see other people's reactions.

All of them looked at the two visiting kings with a look of disbelief on their face. Finally, it was Gwaine who spoke the first words.

" Close your mouths, people. Flies will find a straight way into your throat if you keep your mouths open like that. "

Arthur didn't know that his mouth was wide open before Gwaine spoke. He quickly closed it and tried to look as normal as possible but knew he was failing miserably. He knew that Merlin was Emrys, the greatest and most powerful sorcerer of this land but still, imagining his best friend as a powerful king sitting on a throne was something he couldn't do.

" Don't look so surprised, Arthur. Your former friend is doing extraordinary in ruling. " King Urien said with an amused smile.

" In fact, he's doing a better job than any kings of the northern realm. " King James added.

' How did they know? ' Arthur thought. These two kings were never in Camelot before. They had only sent their emissaries before in Camelot. It was Guinevere who asked Arthur's question.

" Excuse me, your majesties. But how did yo... " She didn't get to finish her question as James cut in.

" Know about your friend? Well, we found out actually with some help from Elmet's citizens.. Words were spread across Albion about Arthur the valiant warrior who had slain the mighty great dragon, vanquished the questing beast, defeated two undead army and dethroned the last high priestess twice. " The king said all these words in one breath without stopping. His tone was a little sarcastic but one would only sense it if they heard with concentration.

And Arthur was listening with full concentration. If someone had told him the exact things only an year ago, he would have been furious. ( Even if the speaker was a king ) But now he knew everything. He knew that he hadn't killed the questing beast, hadn't slain the great dragon, hadn't defeated the undead armies, hadn't dethroned Morgana all by himself.

It had been Merlin. It was always Merlin. He was Arthur's wind beneath his wings. His best friend had raised him to the heaven while he had remained on the ground behind the shadows never claiming glory for his deeds when others were praised in his place and he was treated like an idiot servant.

Arthur would never know how his friend had ever been able to do so much for Camelot while expecting nothing in return. But he now knew one thing. What pain Merlin had felt when Arthur had betrayed him was a million times worse than what he was feeling because of his injured pride.

Arthur didn't get angry. He didn't say anything. He sucked up on his damn pride and took Urien's every veiled insult in silence. Because he was curious. He was curious to know how his friend was doing. So, when Urien stopped for taking a breath, Arthur didn't look away. He kept looking at him curiously willing him to continue his story.

This time it was not Urien who spoke up but James.

" In our kingdoms, magic is not prohibited. Your father's great purge hadn't been able to cross Perilous Woods and the Jerall Mountains. So, magic still flourishes in Rheged and Bernicia. "

James stopped there with a hint of pride and satisfaction in his voice. He looked at the other king who was also looking proud and happy. Urien started from where James had stopped.

Arthur could sense that these two kings were very good friends. Almost like a pair or twin brothers. As if one of them was incomplete without the other. Just like two sides of the same coin.

Arthur suddenly felt a pang of sadness and jealousy inside his heart thinking about someone who had been a part of himself just as the two kings were like parts of each other.

Meanwhile Urien continued.

" We, people of the two kingdoms knew about Emrys, the greatest sorcerer of all time. We knew that he would unite this land with the help of a king born of magic. " Every Camelotian in the room suddenly began to look at their king and Arthur could feel their eyes on him. But his eyes didn't leave the two kings .

" Druids in our kingdom were whispering for last twenty five years that Emrys had come into the realm of the living. But in the last nine years, they were whispering that Emrys was helping the king born of magic. We didn't know at first who was this king. But then tales of your great heroism began to spread across Albion.

And the Druids began to say that Emrys was in Camelot helping her prince. We assumed that it was you who was this prophesized king. And when you uncovered your birth secret a few months ago, our assumption proved to be correct. So, we knew from the begining that it was not you who had thwarted all these magical invasions rather it was Emrys. We began to send our emissaries to identify Emr... "

" You sent your emissaries so that they could spy in my kingdom? " Arthur asked stopping Urien in the midway. His voice sounded a little angry.

" Please, Arthur. Don't misunderstand. To us, Emrys was a name of the legend. We had waited centuries for him to appear. We just wanted to see him. But our...um...spies failed to detect him. " Urien replied looking apologetically towards Arthur.

" You still haven't told us how you have met Merlin. " Guinevere reminded the two kings trying to avoid the awkward situation. James took the chance and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

" We're getting there, my lady. One year ago, Druids began to tell that their king Emrys had claimed his birthright and that he now sits upon the legendary Golden throne of Elmet which once belonged to the great king Reman Ignotus. "

Arthur was going to ask about how in hell's name Elmet's throne became Merlin's birthright but then he stopped himself thinking that the two kings might give the answer themselves soon.

But, the visiting kings were interrupted again as this time it was Gaius who asked the question.

" Wait. By saying Reman, you're meaning the founder of Ignotus Royal Family and first king of Elmet and ancestor of The Fisher King? "

' No wonder Gaius and Geoffrey were so buddy-buddy together. ' Arthur thought with an amused smile.

" Wow! Are you a historian, sir? " Urien asked with a delighted voice.

" Um. No. My old friend, Sir Geoffrey is. But we learned the history of this realm together when we were young. " Gaius said and Arthur could bet that he had seen the old physician blushing a little.

" Then you have a very good memory. You are right. The King of Magic is king Reman's descendent. Queen-Mother Hunith Ignotus is the Fisher King's great grandfather, Roland's descendent. " The king of Rheged said.

" Hunith? Merlin's mother Hunith is of Royal blood? You must be mistaken. I would know. " Gaius said with disbelief in his voice.

Arthur was thinking about the same thing. He was wondering just how many surprises were waiting for him today. He didn't get the chance to think much as the two kings were already begining to tell their eager listeners about the Royal Family of Elmet.

They told them about the Scholar Queen. Lady Freya Linorien Ambrosius. A woman who cared immensely for her people and kingdom and whose vast knowledge in Arcane Arts ( which meant knowledge of magic. Arthur didn't understand the words at first. But then, the two kings explained ) at such a young age was unforeseen. " Even the King of Magic takes daily lessons from his wife. " Urien said. Gwaine began to laugh hearing it saying that Merlin sitting beside a girl was something he couldn't imagine, let alone taking lessons from a girl. He was shut up quickly with a hard slap at the back of his head from Percival. The large knight accused Gwaine of interrupting the tale.

Guinevere and Leon chuckled softly at Gwaine's comment while Arthur just rolled his eyes and urged the two kings to continue their tale.

The two kings obliged. They told them of the fierce Queen-Mother who trained everyday with the soldiers of Elmet.

( All of the Camelotians were surprised for they never had thought that Hunith was a fighting type while Gaius gave a mysterious soft chuckle. )

They told them of the magical academy where children, teenagers and adults gathered everyday to discuss and learn magic. They told them of the white dragon who followed the king everywhere he went like a faithful companion.

Lush and fertile farmlands, grasslands so large that you couldn't see the other side from one side, two high walls surrounding the city, a great lake and the road that went through the perilous woods connecting Rheged with Camelot protected by the brave warriors of Elmet. And of course, the brave and intelligent king of Magic who was loved by his people and revered by other kings of north.

These were the tales the two kings shared with their host. It was like a fairy tale. Arthur was mesmerized. He was enjoying the tales. From what his son had told him, he only knew that his friend was doing well with his wife and son.

But what Aren had said was vague and ( to Arthur ) slightly infuriating. He talked in riddles as if trying not to uncover something.

Arthur now understood why his son had done that. Merlin must have requested Aren not to discover his royalty.

What Arthur didn't understand was why Merllin had done that.

' He doesn't trust you. He doesn't want to see you. That's why. ' A voice which was long absent inside the king of Camelot's mind spoke up again.

Bam!

The two kings almost jumped up in surprise hearing the loud sound and stopped telling their tales.

However, Arthur only chuckled and looked at the entrance of the council chamber knowing there was only one person in Camelot who would make such a noisy entrance.

" Father, it's been three hours. You said we train with swords today. But when? "

Arthur looked at the window and a gasp of surprise escaped his lips. Aren was right. It's almost lunch time. He had forgotten about his son while he was listening to the guest kings' tales.

He gave his son an apologetic smile but Aren wasn't looking at his way. Rather he was looking at the two other kings.

To everyone's surprise, Aren bowed at them and said with a smile, " Hello, your majesties. Why are you here? "

Arthur was taken aback by his son's words. First of all, he didn't expect him to recognize his guests. Secondly, the prince talked like he was talking to an acquaintance.

Before Arthur and Guinevere could say anything, Urien asked the prince a question which Arthur and his fellow countrymen more.

" I should be the one asking you that, Prince Aren. What are you doing here? "

" What do you mean by that? I am the prince of Camelot. " Aren replied in a confused tone.

Hearing the prince's reply, both of the kings suddenly went silent. They looked like they were thinking something.

Arthur took this opportunity to ask Urien and James.

" How do you know my son, your majesties? "

" He was at the birth celebration of Prince Reymer, King Merlin's son. Many kings of north including ourselves were invited there. Merlin introduced Prince Aren to us as his nephew. So, we thought he was a prince of El... " Urien stopped abruptly. Then, his eyes widened as if he had realized something important. King James looked also startled.

" King Merlin is your brother? Queen-Mother Hunith only told us that you two were friends. But she refused to tell us anything else. And my emissaries s which I had sent to Camelot confirmed me that King Merlin once worked as your manservant. I thought that being friend with a servant is a bit odd and Emrys working as a servant is more odd but now... " Urien stopped there and James finished the sentence.

"...it doesn't make any sense. "

Arthur didn't know what he should say. One part of him was wanting to scream saying, ' Yes, Merlin is my brother. He is my best friend. Aren IS Merlin's nephew. '

But another part, the guilty part of him said, ' You betrayed him, tortured him, turned your back on him. You have no right to call him friend, let alone best friend. '

It was Guinevere who rescued him. She took hold of the conversation while Arthur was at a loss what to say.

" Don't want to be rude, sires. But Arthur's relationship with Merlin is a bit complicated. And we don't want to discuss that right now. So, please don't push for answers we won't give you. " The queen's voice was firm and Arthur felt immensely grateful for his wife's interference. But Guinevere hadn't done talking.

" Although there's one thing I can say. " She planted a kiss on her son's head who was now sitting on her laps and began to speak again. " Merlin is Aren's uncle just as much as I am Aren's mother. "

" And my uncle is awesome. He can turn into a dragon. " Aren said with a gleeful smile.

The two kings smiled at the prince. It seemed they knew about Merlin's abilities as well.

The other occupants of the room began to chuckle too hearing the prince's words.

" Let us continue after lunch. After all, it is almost noon. " Arthur said abruptly. Guinevere realized that Arthur didn't want to talk about Merlin anymore. It was paining him. The queen could see it in her husband's eyes. So, she nodded with the king in approval.

All other people agreed and the council came to an end.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

After the lunch, they didn't talk about Merlin. Arthur began to discuss about trade relations with the two kings. In the end, the guest kings expressed their satisfaction at the success of their trade mission and thanked Arthur for accepting their merchants to do business in Camelot.

Arthur, James and Urien made a joint declaration of friendship. Urien and James urged Arthur to establish Camelot's own trade route with North through Elmet.

But Arthur refused. When the two kings asked why. He said, " I need to seek Elmet's King's permission to set up a trade route with north. Otherwise, it will be an act of war. "

" Then, why don't you do it? The king of magic will surely agree. You were friends once. I am su... " Urien was stopped in the midway by Arthur.

" As my queen said earlier, it's complicated. I can't see him right now. I am sorry. But Camelot will always remain for you and your merchants. You have my word. "

" Pity. We really could've used a strong ally like you. The Amatan alliance is becoming a threat with each passing day. Our own northern alliance leaded by Merlin is the only thing that is barring them to attack our kingdoms. " James said with a grave voice.

" But things are not going very well in north. Sauron's army is growing with each passing day. His people are becoming restless but he and his allies will not stop until they complete their dream of domination. And I think war is soon coming on our doorsteps whether we like it or not. Be wary, Arthur. Sauron and his allies are trying to conquer entire Albion and if we don't stand together, it will happen. "

Arthur was going to say something reassuring but James stopped him.

" We don't know what happened between you and King of Magic. But for the sake of Albion, I implore you to make peace with him. Only if we , you and your allies stand together, we will be able to defeat warmongers like Sauron, Bayerd and Eldred. "

Arthur didn't say anything as he had no logic to counter the two kings' words.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Two days later, when the two kings departed from Camelot, Arthur couldn't help feeling wary. Now he was lying on his bed with Guinevere sleeping by his side and it was only the two kings' warnings that were whirling inside his head. If James and Urien were right, then things were certainly very grim in the north.

And he knew that if he and his allies didn't join with Merlin and his allies soon, they all might have the same fate like the kingdom of Deira.

But he hadn't been harmed by the Amatan alliance yet. So, he was going to remain neutral unless he had a decent enough reason to go against them.

He still couldn't believe that Merlin was a king. Maybe he would never believe it unless he saw it for himself. Although he said that he couldn't see Merlin right now, the truth was he couldn't wait to meet his friend. His only fear was: would Merlin hate him? He was sure that Merlin would. How couldn't he? He was betrayed. He didn't even talk to Arthur when they last met.

Surely, things hadn't changed in this few months. Arthur wondered silently in the darkness of his chambers.

Guinevere's soft breath hinted that she was sound asleep. Arthur placed a soft kiss on her cheek and settled down for sleep believing that whatever was going to happen in close-future , he would at least have his queen and his knights by his side.

Still, he felt as if someone was missing. He realized that it was Merlin who had left a big hole in his heart, when he had departed from Camelot. He didn't know why, but he had a ' funny ' feeling like Merlin used to have that soon he would have a reason to meet Merlin.

When the king of Camelot drifted into sleep, he had no idea that he would get that reason sooner than he would have imagined.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

So, what do you think? Leave me a review, would you? I will be grateful. Today I have a question for you: What is your TV Series? Mine is obviously Merlin while Game of Thrones comes in second. Have a good day and happy reading.

Adios.

- Assassin of Syria.