Merlin leaned back against the wall watching Arthur and the Knights train. It had been over a year since the departure of Lady Vivian and well, he didn't understand the emotions that came with the mere thought of her. He had gotten in the habit of pushing them aside, which wasn't hard as there always seemed to be so many things to worry about. This was the first day in awhile that he had been able to relax in quite a while and after the last few days of trying to catch that Goblin it was nice.

To be fair the Goblin getting loose had been his own fault, but only Gaius knew that and that was a secret that would stay between them.

"Merlin." someone called and he looked up to see Thomas coming towards him.

"What is it?" Merlin asked.

"The King has sent for you." Thomas told him.

"Me?" Merlin asked, surprised. "Why?"

"I'm not sure." Thomas said. "Sorry."

"Will you take care of Arthur for me?" Merlin asked, nodding towards where the Prince was going at it with one of the Knights."

"Of course." Thomas agreed and Merlin headed for the Castle wondering why in the world King Uther would want to see him.

He had just reached the great hall when the thought struck him that perhaps the King had figured out it was his fault the Goblin had wreaked havoc in the castle, but the guards where already opening the doors for him and he had no choice but to enter and the King and a man he didn't know, but judging my his crest he was a knight of Norge.

"You sent for me, Sire." Merlin said, bowing slightly as he approached.

He resisted the urge to fidget under the two men's gaze. He felt as if the King was ready to toss him in the stocks and the other man was sizing him up, though for what purpose was beyond him.

"Is it true, you are Lady Vivian's soulmate?" Uther asked at last, breaking the silence.

That was the last thing he had expected to be asked. His mouth dropped open in shock and he started wide eyed at the King before his eyes darted to the Knight of Norge. Of course King Olaf must have found out and sent him here to kill him.

He swallowed and taking a quick breath turned back to the King. "Yes." he admitted, though it came out slightly choked.

Uther gave a huff of what Merlin was sure was disproved, but waving his hand toward the Knight said. "This is Sir Donalt. He wishes to have a word with you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Sir Donalt said, bow. "If you'll excuse us."

With a nod from King Uther. Sir Donalt left clearly expecting Merlin to follow and after a pointed look form the King Merlin hurried after him.

"Do you have somewhere a bit more private?" Sir Donalt asked him when he caught up. "I need to compare the handwriting on your soulmark or King Olaf will not be satisfied."

Merlin felt more confusion as he led the knight to a smaller room. Did King Olaf want it confirmed he was Lady Vivian's soulmate before he killed him himself? Or was he missing something? And how had he even found out? Had Lady Vivian decide after all this time that she wanted him dead and told her Father about it? It didn't make sense.

"Do you mind showing me your soulmark?" Sir Donalt asked, pulling Merlin out of his spiraling thoughts.

"No." Merlin said. "But do you mind telling me what this is about? If he wants my head for kissing his daughter I don't think it really matters if I'm her soulmate or not."

"I don't believe he knows that you have kissed her." Sir Donalt said, amused.

"Oh," Merlin said, going slightly pale. "Are you going to tell him that?"

"No." Sir Donalt said. "I am merely here to confirm that you are her soulmate."

Merlin let out a sigh of relief, glad his blunder hadn't cost him his head.

"Why?" Merlin asked, as he removed his jacket so he could pull up his sleeve.

"King Olaf, will only let his daughter marry you if you truly are her soulmate." Sir Donalt explained as he examined the writing on Merlin's arm, pulling out a piece of parchment to compare it against.

"What!" Melin exclaimed. "I'm not marrying Lady Vivian!"