"Morgana, watching and wishing isn't going to change anything." the younger prince stated, watching the king's ward carefully to gauge her reaction.
Morgana sighed and turned away from the window, where she had been watching Uther Pendragon deliver his speech to his people.
"No, it won't. How can Uther condemn the man to an execution when he didn't do anything wrong?"
Merlin put a hand on Morgana's shoulder and looked into her eyes.
"All Uther knows is the wrong magic has done. He doesn't know any better."
Morgana frowned, thinking otherwise. "But he has seen the good magic can do! The poor man was healing his mother."
Merlin shrugged. "It's wrong, but what can we do?"
Morgana rolled her eyes. "You're the prince, Merlin. Can't you tell Uther what you think?"
Merlin opened his mouth to reply when the door suddenly slammed open.
"Ah! There you two are. I was looking everywhere for you." Camelot's oldest prince, Arthur, walked up to them.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "Where else would we be, Arthur? The kitchen?"
Arthur frowned. "No, but I didn't expect you to be watching an execution either."
Merlin sighed and returned to the window.
Arthur shared a worried glance with Morgana before putting a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Merlin? You know we would never let that happen to you, right?"
The prince faced Arthur and Morgana. "I know that. Father would never kill me."
"If he even finds out," Morgana added.
"Who's going to tell him I have magic?" Merlin made a face. "Would Uther even believe it? The king's own son, having magic!"
The three of them laughed. Over the years, Arthur and Morgana had gotten comfortable with Merlin's magic. Although Arthur hadn't taken it well at all, when he found out, you would never believe he was the same person. Morgana hadn't seemed to care that Merlin had magic, to which the prince had been eternally grateful.
Outside, the crowd gasped as Uther lowered his hand, and the ax fell. The three of them watched in silence, mournful of the loss of life.
"I still don't get how you don't hate Uther for murdering your people," Morgana murmured, looking sick.
"He's my father. He cared for me and raised me. He truly thinks that he is doing right. Maybe one day we'll convince him to change."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, about to contradict him when a sudden wailing caught the attention of the two princes and ward.
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic!" An old woman, one who they recognized as the man's mother, glared at Uther. "It is you!" she continued. "With your hatred and your ignorance…You took my son!"
Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana all winced. The woman's anger was understood to them, they themselves had all in turn once shouted at Uther.
"I promise you," The woman said in a hateful whisper. "Before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears."
Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana all shared a worried glance. That didn't sound good.
"An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth…" The woman let out another vengeful sob. "A son for a son!"
Arthur and Merlin jerked back, wide-eyed.
Uther snapped out of his daze and pointed at the woman. "Seize her!"
The woman snarled, and clutched her necklace, shouting unfamiliar words. She vanished into a cloud of dust. The three stood staring in shock before looking at each other.
"Come on, let's find Father," Arthur said, his voice hard. The three marched out of the room and into the hall, finding Uther stalking toward his chambers, face stone hard.
"Father! What was that all about?" Arthur asked, matching the king's stride.
"Just a sorceress in her grief," Uther replied.
Morgana narrowed her eyes. "She threatened Arthur and Merlin!"
Uther glanced at his two sons, before shaking his head. "An idle threat, that was all."
"Are we still hosting the celebrations?" Merlin asked.
Uther stopped and faced them. "Of course. There is no need to pause the celebrations all because of a dull-witted threat."
Morgana huffed. "I still don't think chopping someone's head off is a cause for a celebration."
Uther tightened his jaw, not wanting to have this conversation now. "It was simple justice, for what he'd done."
Morgana glared at him. "To whom? He did some magic, so what?"
"You were not there twenty years ago, Morgana. You have no idea what it was like. There is no room for magic in my kingdom."
Morgana glanced at Merlin, who looked a little guilty.
Uther closed his eyes for a second, before turning and walking again. "You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen."
"Yes, Father." Both Arthur and Merlin replied. Morgana growled. "I told you I want no part in these celebrations!"
Uther sighed. "Morgana, I am your guardian. I have treated you as if you are my own daughter, and I expect you to do as I ask. If not for me, then be there for our finest singer." Uther walked on, but the princes and Morgana didn't follow.
"You know, the more brutal he is, the more enemies he'll create," Morgana muttered, scowling.
Nobody responded. "Guess I have to go get ready." Morgana scowled one more time and stalked off.
"Great," Merlin sighed. "She's angry. Now we'll have to deal with her the whole time."
Arthur just shook his head.
Merlin opened the door to the physician's chambers, Gaius.
"Gaius?" he asked quietly. There was no response. "Gaius?" He wondered, a little louder.
He was about to walk out, thinking it obvious Gaius wasn't there when he heard a shuffling. He looked up to see Gaius on a small balcony, looking through some old books.
Merlin cleared his throat, and Gaius jumped, startled. The old man lost his balance, and with a mighty crack broke through the balcony. Without a thought, Merlin's eyes colored gold, and time slowed. He looked around desperately and spotting the cot that Gaius always used for patients, moved it with his magic directly underneath Gaius's falling body. Time sped up, and Gaius crashed onto the bed. He yelped, and then got up quickly, turning toward Merlin.
"I-What did you just-" Gaius stopped abruptly, realizing just who his visitor was. He gave a slight bow. "Prince Merlin. Thank you for saving my life." Gaius had known Merlin since the little prince was born, and was the one who had told Merlin about his magic.
"It was nothing. I was wondering if you had something to help me sleep. I don't think I'll be able to tonight."
"Of course, sire." Gaius took a bottle from his shelf and handed it to the prince. "That'll help."
"Thanks, Gaius." Merlin moved toward the door.
"Sire."
Merlin turned back. "Yes?"
"If I may ask, how did you save me?"
Merlin frowned. "Um…I accidentally slowed down time and then moved the cot underneath you."
Gaius's eyes widened slightly. Merlin bit his lip. When Gaius had told him he had magic, he had seemed awe-struck, and whenever he did magic Gaius always seemed astonished.
"Why is it so surprising?" Merlin asked.
Gaius opened his mouth and closed it again.
"Gaius? What aren't you telling me?"
The physician sighed. "You were born with magic."
Merlin raised an eyebrow. "So I've been told."
Gaius leaned against his table. "No one has ever been born with magic before, except for the druids. You are the likes of which I've never seen before."
Merlin let a smile play on his lips before asking, "What do you mean?"
Gaius folded his arms. "Well, magic requires incantations; spells. It takes years to study."
Merlin's eyebrows drew together. "But I hardly know any spells."
Gaius nodded slowly. "Indeed. What you do is elemental, instinctive. You are a question that has never been posed before, sire."
Merlin smiled. "Well, when you figure me out, tell me first, alright?"
Gaius's lips quirked. Merlin nodded at him, and then left, pondering what Gaius had just told him.
Will, Merlin's manservant, was preparing dinner when Merlin returned.
"Merlin, the food was going cold," Will complained when Merlin sat down.
"You were just setting it down." Merlin grinned at Will's face.
"Yeah, well, it was. In about an hour." Will muttered, grinning as well. "Did you hear what happened today? With the sorceresses?" Will asked, more serious.
"I was watching it." Merlin stabbed a potato.
Will winced. "Are you okay?"
"I watched a man die and his mother threaten me and Arthur. I'm perfectly fine, Will."
Will bit his lip. "Are you going to do anything about it?"
"What can I do? I have no idea where the woman went or what she was planning. It could just be an idle threat like Father said."
Merlin chewed in silence, and Will picked up the laundry and left. He knew Merlin just needed some time alone.
The prince finished eating and gathered some reports he still had left over. While Arthur liked sword fighting and showing off, Merlin rather liked sitting in the library and reading all day. The writing did him good, and Merlin felt a lot better. There truly was nothing he could do, so he might as well just let it go. Merlin stretched and looked outside to see it getting dark. The prince stared at the candle on the table where he had eaten. Then he looked around, making sure nobody was watching, and whispered, "Forbærne."
The candles lit up, illuminating the darkening room. Merlin smiled. He loved magic, it was so warm; so miraculous; so magical. He could still remember the day Arthur and Morgana had found out. Back then he could not fathom why they were so scared of something so impressive.
He, Arthur, and Morgana had been sneaking into the kitchen, hoping to grab a snack. When finding the door locked, however, Merlin's magic had acted on its own. Luckily, Gaius found them seconds after and told the truth about Arthur's younger brother.
"Merlin has magic, Arthur, and it's nothing to be afraid of."
"But Father says it's evil and those who practice it are monsters!"
Morgana butted in. "Merlin's not evil, Arthur. He's seven! What is a seven-year-old going to do to us?"
Merlin sat on the cot, looking scared and sad. He had used magic in front of his brother and foster sister, which Gaius had said to never do.
"I'm sorry," Merlin said, sounding so sad that Arthur could not stay scared or mad at him for long.
"Arthur, Morgana. You must never tell anyone that Merlin has magic. He'll be killed if you do. Is that what you want?"
Arthur and Morgana shook their heads.
Arthur had been wary of Merlin and the subject of magic for months, before realizing how stupid it all was.
"Sire?" Will came in. Merlin jerked up, not realizing he had almost fallen asleep on his desk.
"Yes, Will?"
"Will you be going to bed now?"
"Yes. You're dismissed."
Will nodded, picking up the dirty dishes. "Goodnight, Merlin."
"'Night Will." Merlin yawned and changed into his night attire. He downed the potion Gaius gave him, and then crawled into bed, thinking about what had to be done tomorrow.
"Merlin."
The prince jerked awake, aware of his name. He looked around for Will, but his manservant was not in Merlin's chambers. Just as Merlin was about to go back to sleep, Will came in, shutting the door behind him quietly.
"Merlin!" he said in surprise, seeing the prince sitting up in bed. "What are you doing up so early?"
Merlin mumbled something, not wanting to share that he had heard a voice.
"Right," Will said doubtedly, but he set out Merlin's clothes, resorting to the prince just being half asleep.
Merlin sat down to eat, still in his own world. There were still a few reports to finish, but not enough to take up his whole day. He decided he should go to the Upper Town, he had not visited the people there for some time.
A sudden slam startled Merlin, and Will as well, for he dropped the pitcher he had been carrying. Merlin froze it in the air with a glance.
Merlin went rigid, aware of Will staring at him. Merlin let the pitcher go with a smash.
"How did you do that?" Will demanded.
Merlin swallowed.
"Was it magic?" Will asked, staring at the prince.
"That…um…" Merlin bit his lip, unsure of what to say.
"Yes, this idiot just performed magic." a new voice joined in.
Merlin jumped, turning to Arthur with panic in his eyes.
Arthur smacked Merlin on the head. "Honestly, Merlin, how you kept your magic a secret for all these years is beyond me."
Merlin hissed, eyes pointed at Will.
"Will," Arthur said calmly. "I order you to never speak of this to anyone."
Will looked offended. "Merlin, I don't care that you have magic. But why didn't you trust me? I've been serving you for four years."
Merlin shrugged, looking so relieved that Arthur almost felt sorry for him.
"I didn't know how to tell you."
"Great, well, that now you know, you can talk about it later. Right now, Father needs your help, Merlin."
With one last nervous glance at Will, Merlin stood up and followed Arthur out the door.
"Arthur, I need to talk to you."
Arthur turned to see Morgana in the doorway, looking worried.
"What is it?"
"It's about Merlin."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What did my brother do now?"
Morgana shook her head, exasperated. "Nothing. I just-I mean we…"
Arthur sat down, pulling out a chair for her. "Merlin's overseeing the celebrations, he'll be busy for a while. Now, what is on your mind? Did you get into a fight? Is Gwen still pining over him?"
Morgana scoffed, fighting a smile. "Gwen isn't pining for him, she just has a crush."
Arthur rolled his eyes, somehow finding that a little comforting. Merlin would never be able to marry a commoner. "So then, what is it?"
"We're celebrating the death of Merlin's kind. How is that not affecting him?"
Arthur frowned. "You think that Merlin is hiding his feelings about this?"
Morgana sighed. "Arthur, he watched someone die for their magic. Merlin could be the next one on that chopping block! Maybe he isn't all okay with this like he said."
"Okay, so…?"
Morgana stared at him. "So we talk to Merlin! Honestly, how will you ever become king?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Alright, next chance we get we'll ask him if he's okay. I'm sure he's fine, though. He's been hiding his magic since he was five."
"And how many years has he had our support?" Morgana asked.
"Twelve," Arthur said. "What does that have anything to do with this?"
"In those twelve years, something like this has never happened. Uther went on a hiatus."
Arthur frowned again. "So, it's the first time he's experienced something like this with us knowing he has magic."
"Yes, Arthur, you're finally catching on."
Arthur glared at her, but it was weak. If what Morgana was saying was true, then Merlin could be going through some sort of depression right now. It was up to him and Morgana, as brother and foster sister, to make sure he was alright.
"I'm not sure when we'll have a chance, but when we do, we'll talk to him," Arthur promised, and Morgana let out a relieved smile.
"Good. Now that we got that sorted, I really have to go. Don't get yourself into trouble!"
Arthur scowled after her.
Merlin let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He had been busy organizing the celebrations, and this was the first break he had all day. It was later in the afternoon now, and Merlin had decided to go for a walk in the Upper Town. He had been avoiding Will all day, although he knew that he would have to confront him soon. Merlin shook his head. Why was he so nervous? Will was a trusted friend and one who had proven to be loyal to him many times.
Merlin heard sudden shouting and looked over to see it coming from the training field. The prince sighed and hoped it was not what he thought it was.
Unfortunately, it was exactly as Merlin thought. Arthur was making fun of his servant in front of all the knights.
"Where's the target?" Arthur asked cruelly.
Morris looked over the target he was carrying. "There, sire?"
Arthur shook his head. "It's into the sun."
Morris glanced at the sun that was currently hidden between a cloud. "It's not that bright."
"A bit like you then?" Arthur and the knights roared with laughter.
Merlin frowned. He thought that Arthur had gotten over himself, but this just proved he hadn't.
"I'll put the target on the far end, shall I?" Morris suggested. Arthur nodded, and Morris started to head over there. Arthur took out a few knives and leaned over to his knights. "That'll teach him." Arthur threw one at the target, which Morris used to cover his body.
"Hey, hang on!" Morris shouted, fear creeping into his voice.
"Don't stop!" Arthur said with a laugh.
Morris shuffled his feet, ending up a step back. "Here?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I told you to keep moving!"
Morris tried to jog while holding a big target, but he wasn't doing very well.
"Come on! Run, we want some moving practice!" Arthur kept throwing knives, hitting the target every time, making Morris more tired. Finally, the servant dropped the target and rolled right to Merlin, where he put his foot on it and glowered at his brother. Arthur almost winced but managed to keep his face straight.
"Arthur, I thought you were better than this."
Arthur walked over, the knights staying back.
"It was just some fun. You are allowed to have some once in a while, you know."
Merlin raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think that fun includes throwing daggers at servants, Arthur."
Arthur looked a little guilty.
"Get one of your oh-so-strong knights to carry the target," Merlin growled, stalking off.
Merlin stormed through the castle, the servants making way for him. The prince arrived at Morgana's chambers, coming in quietly, despite how angry he was. Morgana often had nightmares; you were never sure if she was napping.
"Gwen?" Morgana came out from behind the screen, brushing her hair. "Oh! Merlin! Are you okay?"
Merlin scowled at her. "It's not me, it's Arthur. He's being such a prat. He was throwing knives at his servant!"
Morgana looked up, alarmed. "At his servant?"
Merlin started pacing. "Yes. Well, at the target, but Morris was holding it."
Morgana watched him pace. "Okay, so Arthur was being his usual arrogant self. But you didn't come all the way here just to complain about Arthur. Is something bothering you?"
Merlin stopped and looked at her. "No. Yes. I don't know."
Morgana resisted the urge to roll her eyes, knowing that Merlin needed a sister right now.
"What's wrong, Merlin?"
Merlin stood silently for a moment before sighing. "Will found out about my magic today, and I don't know what to do."
Morgana didn't say anything for a moment, not expecting that. "Was he mad or scared?"
Merlin shrugged. "More disappointed, or offended. He wanted to know why I didn't tell him."
Morgana put her brush down. "What did you say?"
"That I didn't know how."
"That's all?"
"Yes, Arthur pulled me away to help with the celebrations."
Morgana sighed. What was with her foster brothers?
"So, you need to go talk to Will."
Merlin bit his lip. "I don't know what to say."
"Merlin, besides Arthur and me, your Will's best friend. You'll know what to say."
Merlin deflated. "Alright, I'll go talk to him."
Morgana suddenly stood. "Wait! Merlin, when are you free?"
The prince shrugged. "I don't know. There's still a lot I have to do."
Morgana groaned, disappointed. "Okay, then."
Merlin waved and disappeared out the door.
Morgana picked up her brush again, wondering how exactly it was best to scold Arthur.
Merlin walked briskly through the halls, determined to find Will.
"Sire?"
Merlin paused to find Guinevere, Morgana's maidservant. "Gwen." He said warmly. "How are you doing? Morgana's not working you too hard, is she?"
Gwen blushed and shook her head. "No, she's the best mistress one could have. I actually wanted to thank you for what you did earlier today. Arthur wasn't acting… his best, and everyone thought you were a real hero."
Merlin smiled, then frowned. "He really needs to learn how to control himself."
Gwen curtsied, smiling, and then walked back down the hall. Merlin watched her, before continuing towards his chambers.
"Will?" Merlin asked cautiously, as he closed the door.
"Yes?" Will appeared, holding a brush and bucket.
"I wanted to um…" Merlin trailed off, not sure what to say.
"Talk to me? Apologize for hiding such a big secret from one of your best friends?"
Merlin recoiled from Will's angry tone. Okay, he was mad.
"Look, when Arthur and Morgana found out, they were scared and angry. I didn't want a repeat of that. I was going to tell you eventually."
"Were you? Or were you just going to let me find out, like today?"
Merlin sighed. "I was going to tell you. I just didn't know how. It's not like I could say, 'hey Will, guess what? I have magic!'"
Will cracked a smile. "Alright, I forgive you. But only because you're the best master and friend I could have."
Merlin smiled. "Thanks, Will. You too."
Will put down the bucket and brush. "Does that mean I get to skip this chore? Do you know how long it takes?"
Merlin grinned. "Nope. But I can help."
Will scoffed. "You're the prince. Forgive me, but I don't think you'd bend down and help me scrub."
Merlin grinned even more. "You're right. So, I'll do this instead."
Merlin raised a hand, and the floor sparkled.
Will yelped. "You just did magic." He said, wide-eyed.
Merlin smirked. "Yes, Will, I did magic. That is what we were just talking about, right?"
Will rolled his eyes. "It startled me, that's all. I mean, you're like, the son of a magic-hating king."
Merlin sighed. "I know. Uther would kill me if he found out."
Will scrunched up his nose. "Are you being literal or figural?"
Merlin breathed out heavily. "Both."
"I'm sure that your father wouldn't kill you. I mean, you're his son."
"But I have magic. And magic must be destroyed no matter the cost."
Will shook his head. "You'll never know if he will kill you. I won't tell a soul."
Merlin smiled. "Thanks, Will. You truly are the best friend I could have."
Will laughed. "What about Arthur?"
Merlin made a face. "He's a prat."
The two laughed, happy to be friends again.
Merlin let out a sigh and flopped onto his bed. He was dead tired. Uther had put Merlin in charge of the celebrations since he was the scholar of the family. It rendered Merlin exhausted. All Merlin wanted to do was lay down and never wake up.
"Merlin, you have to get ready for the greeting of Lady Helen."
The prince groaned, not moving.
"Come on, I have your clothes ready."
Merlin groaned again, but got up, moving slowly to the table where Will had set out a simple yet fashionable attire.
"So, who is Lady Helen?" Will asked, leaning against the table while Merlin got dressed behind the screen.
Merlin was surprised for a second before he remembered that Will had not grown up in Camelot, and had only arrived four years ago.
"She's a famous singer. Father has a good relationship with her."
"Ah, of course. Who doesn't he have a good relationship with?"
Merlin snorted. "Sorcerers."
"But he does with one. You." Will grinned.
Merlin smiled and walked away from the screen, fully dressed. "It's nice talking to someone else other than Arthur and Morgana about magic."
The two smiled at each other when a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Enter!" Merlin called.
A guard stuck his head in. "Sire, the King requires your presence in greeting Lady Helen."
Merlin nodded at the guard and then turned to Will.
"You're dismissed for the night. I'll see you tomorrow."
Merlin took his place next to Arthur and Morgana, who was standing a little behind and away from Uther.
"You actually showed!" Merlin mock whispered to Morgana.
She rolled her eyes. The door opened, and Lady Helen walked in, bunching her lavender dress so she could walk without tripping. Her high heels echoed in the silence.
Uther smiled at Helen, walking to her. "Lady Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations."
Lady Helen curtsied. Uther smiled and gestured toward Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana.
"May I introduce my two sons, Prince Arthur and Prince Merlin, along with my ward, Lady Morgana?"
Lady Helen curtsied to them. Merlin shivered. Something seemed off.
"How was your journey?" Uther asked.
"Oh, the time it took, Sire," she said in an exaggerated way.
Uther took up Helen's hands and kissed them gently. "Well, it's always worth the wait."
Lady Helen glanced at Arthur and Merlin. "It will be."
"Merlin."
Merlin sat up with a jolt. He had heard his name, he was sure of it. He jumped out of bed, looking around.
"Merlin."
With a start, Merlin realized it was coming from the ground. He leaned down, putting an ear to the floor.
"What are you doing?"
Merlin jumped up and turned around to find Will, looking bemused.
"I was sure I heard my name," Merlin muttered, looking around once again.
"You know, now that I know of your magic, it seems like you're even a stranger."
"Thanks." Merlin glanced over at Will with a raised eyebrow.
That night, Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana dined with Uther and Helen.
"Will you sing for me tonight?" Uther asked.
"You will have to wait, sire," Helen responded with a smile.
"You will not deny me?"
"I am saving my voice for tomorrow."
Uther grumbled something good-natured and took a sip of his wine.
Helen turned to Arthur and Merlin. "Will you three be there?"
"Yes. We are looking forward to it." Arthur replied. Merlin nodded in agreement.
"I hope you will enjoy it."
There was a silence before Helen spoke again. "It can't have been easy, growing up without a mother."
Arthur stiffened. He was a lot more sensitive to the subject than Merlin.
"The bond between mother and son - it's so hard to replace."
Arthur sat there wordlessly while Merlin frowned. There was something behind what Lady Helen was saying.
"Hasn't been easy," Arthur replied stiffly.
"I'm sure." Helen sounded sympathetic.
An awkward silence passed before Uther started up the conversation with Helen.
"That was rude and insensitive of her." Morgana fumed. She too had grown up without a mother.
"She was merely curious," Arthur replied in that same stiff tone.
"I don't know," Merlin said thoughtfully. "There was something off about her. Why did she even bring that topic up?"
"Who cares? There was no need to bring up painful memories."
"But why? There must have been a reason."
"Whatever it is, we can figure it out tomorrow. Right now we should all get some rest." Arthur said, walking toward the door.
"Goodnight then." Merlin went to his wardrobe and pulled out his sleeping clothes as Morgana and Arthur let themselves out of his chamber.
Merlin lay awake in his bed, restless. There was something about Lady Helen that didn't seem right. Why was she interested in their mother?
"Merlin."
Merlin didn't move, listening as his name echoed around him.
"Merlin."
The prince threw off the covers, deciding to find out who was calling his name and why. He pulled on his boots and cloak and followed the voice, to his alarm, to the dungeons. There were two guards sitting at a table, playing dice. Merlin contemplated ordering them to allow him passage but decided against it.
Looking at the di, the prince had an idea. His eyes flashed gold, and the di flew off the table. One guard glanced at it and followed, but Merlin played a game of chase all the way into a cell. As they tried to catch the di, Merlin quickly snuck past them, horrified at the security.
"Merlin."
Merlin followed the voice down a staircase, and kept his hand up, ready to defend himself.
He finally arrived in some sort of cavern, a massive one that could fit the whole castle in it and have plenty of room left over for the town. As Merlin admired the cave a deep chuckling sounded within.
Merlin raised his hand higher, trying to see past the darkness.
"Where are you?" He shouted.
A large creature suddenly flew in, growling. Merlin hurriedly took a few steps back, a spell on the tip of his tongue.
A gigantic, golden dragon landed in front of the prince on a large clump of rocks. "I'm here." It spoke, with a deep gravelly voice.
Merlin just stared, speechless.
The dragon seemed to find this amusing and chuckled again. "How small you are for such a great destiny."
Merlin narrowed his eyes. "Why? What do you mean? What destiny?"
The dragon settled onto its paws like an enormous cat. "Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason."
Merlin's eyes widened. "So there is a reason?"
All his life Merlin had grappled with why the son of a magic-hating king would have magic itself.
The dragon gave a small nod. "Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion."
Merlin cocked his head. "Right…"
"But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike."
Merlin looked into the dragon's eyes. "Who? Who is threatening Arthur?"
The dragon ignored Merlin. "But without you, Arthur will never succeed."
"Of course," Merlin muttered. "I'm always the one saving him."
"Without you, there will be no Albion."
"Well, that's great."
The dragon held Merlin's eye contact for a second before flapping his wings and taking off.
"Wait - wait! Wait stop, I need to know more! How do I protect Arthur?"
The dragon didn't respond, flying up to a ledge somewhere above.
Merlin scowled and walked back to his chambers.
Arthur opened Morgana's door quietly. Her back was facing him as she played with her hair. She started walking behind the screen."You know, I've been thinking about Arthur."
Arthur closed his mouth, wanting to hear what Morgana had to say.
"I wouldn't touch him with a Lance Pole. Pass me that dress, will you, Gwen?"
Arthur cleared his throat. "That's very touching, Morgana."
Morgana stepped out from behind the screen. "Arthur! What are you doing here?"
Arthur leaned against Morgana's desk, face serious. "When are we going to talk to Merlin?"
Morgana sighed. "I'm not sure." She admitted.
Arthur rubbed a hand over his face. This afternoon was the feast and all of them had gotten up early, although Arthur hadn't seen Merlin yet. "He seems fine, but he's really good at hiding his emotions."
Morgana nodded. "I'd like to talk to him before the feast, but I don't think that's going to be possible."
Arthur nodded. "So, why wouldn't you touch me with a lance pole?"
Morgana crossed her arms. "Just because I'm the king's ward doesn't mean I have to accompany you to the feast. If you wanted me to come, you should have invited me."
Arthur made a face. "Fine then. Morgana, please come to the feast with me."
Morgana uncrossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Fine. Only because I want to talk to Merlin."
Arthur sighed and left the room.
Finally, the feast was starting. Arthur was talking to his rowdy friends, laughing, and making fun of people. Merlin was just standing by one of the tables with food, watching the crowd.
Suddenly the crowd seemed to gasp, and Merlin and Arthur looked over to see Morgana in a deep red dress. Merlin grinned at her, while Arthur seemed stunned.
Morgana walked over to Merlin.
"You look nice, Morgana. I think Arthur's having a heart attack." Merlin grinned.
Morgana smirked. "Pays him back for the arrogant prat he is."
Merlin rolled his eyes and grabbed some food from the table. As Merlin's back was turned Morgana waved furiously at Arthur. He caught her eye and nodded, heading over to them.
"Hello Merlin, Morgana." Arthur said.
Merlin popped a grape in his mouth. "Hey."
"I didn't see you this morning," Arthur told Merlin.
Merlin stiffened. "I slept in."
Morgana gave Merlin a funny look. "You never sleep in. You're always the earliest."
Merlin shrugged. He had gone very late to bed after listening to the dragon and hadn't gone to sleep until an hour later. "Late night."
Arthur groaned. "You still think that Helen is acting strange?"
Merlin frowned. "I know it. There's just something not right."
Morgana joined in. "What could it be though? Lady Helen is trusted. She's sung for Uther many times in the past."
Merlin shook his head. "Still, that conversation about our mother. Why does it feel…familiar?"
Morgana shrugged. "She was probably just sad because she heard about the execution and that poor mother."
Merlin froze. "Mother." He muttered. "She told Father that the bond was so hard to replace, as if from experience."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What are you on about?"
Before Merlin could relay his thoughts Uther stood up. Merlin glanced at Arthur and Morgana before standing in front of his chair next to Uther.
"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures. But few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."
Uther and the crowd clapped before they all sat down.
Helen smiled and stood on a platform on the far side of the room, facing the royal family.
Merlin stared wearily at her, trying to figure out her secret.
Lady Helen opened her mouth, and unrecognizable words poured out to a high melody.
Uther smiled in appreciation. Merlin frowned, the words were familiar to him. He glanced at Arthur, but he was staring at Helen with glazed eyes. In fact, he looked like he could nod off at any time. Merlin nudged him, but he didn't react. Arthur closed his eyes and leaned back against his chair. Merlin glanced at Uther, but he too was closing his eyes. Merlin looked over the room. Everybody was yawning, and closing their eyes. Merlin studied Lady Helen and his eyes widened when he saw Helen glaring at the both of them. He quickly shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep. He soon opened them, however, as he felt something sticky crawl over his face.
It was cobwebs. The room had darkened and cobwebs were inching over the sleeping crowd.
Merlin soon realized that Lady Helen was spinning a spell with her song. He clapped his hands over his ears. Lady Helen narrowed her eyes, and withdrew a dagger, aiming it toward him. Merlin gasped and tried to think of how to stop her quickly. His eyes glanced up to the chandelier above her. Lady Helen drew back her arm to throw the dagger, and Merlin's eyes turned gold. The chandelier broke with a crash and Lade Helen glanced up before it landed on her, knocking her to the ground. The spell broke. Everyone in the room woke up, brushing off the cobwebs. Uther looked around in confusion, and then his eyes landed on Lady Helen.
With a groan, Lady Helen lifted her face up, and Merlin gasped. It was not Lady Helen at all, but the mother of the man who was executed the day before.
The woman used the last of her strength to throw the dagger, right toward Arthur. Time slowed, and Merlin pushed Arthur, throwing both of them to the ground. There was a deep thud as the dagger lodged the chair, exactly where Arthur had been standing moments before.
The two of them stared at the ornate dagger.
"Arthur! Merlin!" Uther helped them up, searching for any injuries.
"We're fine, Father," Arthur replied, sending a silent thank you to Merlin with his eyes.
Uther briefly hugged them both, showing a rare sign of affection. "Thank you, Merlin," he whispered.
Uther then strode forward to examine the dead mother.
"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur said, as soon as they had closed the door of Merlin's chambers.
"You used magic, right?" Morgana asked.
Merlin nodded. Arthur frowned. "How did you push me in time though?"
Merlin shrugged. "I think I slowed down time."
Arthur and Morgana stared at him. "You can do that?"
Merlin shrugged. "Apparently. But-" Merlin held up a finger, stopping Arthur and Morgana before they could speak. "Don't ask me to demonstrate. I can't stop time on will. It just happens."
Arthur closed his mouth, but then said, "How is that even possible?"
Merlin sent an exasperated look at Arthur. "Just because I have magic, doesn't mean I understand it fully."
Merlin suddenly paled, and fell onto his bed, face into his pillow.
"Merlin?" Morgana asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"
Merlin slowly shook his head, and then sat up. "I killed someone."
"Oh, Merlin," Morgana whispered, and sat down next to him. "We've all killed someone."
Merlin just looked at her. She sighed. "Okay, maybe not me, but Arthur's killed lots of people. But he didn't do it in spite, it was an act of defense, just like you."
Merlin shook his head, pressing the palm of his hands into his eyes.
Arthur sat down on the other side of Merlin. He knew exactly what his brother was going through. "She's right," He said softly. "When I first killed somebody, I was so angry, and then I thought I was a murderer. It took me months to realize that if I kept beating myself up over something I couldn't control, I would never enjoy anything again. Merlin, you killed somebody."
Merlin looked up at the blunt words. Arthur continued, "It was not your fault, and if you hadn't, then both of us would have been dead. You're considered a hero, not a murderer. It was an act of self-defense."
Merlin just looked at them. Arthur put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and looked into his eyes. "You're not a monster, Merlin. You're my little brother and a hero."
Merlin's eyes began to fill with tears, and Arthur pulled Merlin into a hug. Morgana joined them, and then Merlin pulled away, wiping his sleeve across his eyes.
"Thanks Arthur, Morgnana."
"We'll always be here for you," Morgana said in a strong voice. "So, now we need to ask if you really are okay with celebrating the death of a sorcerer."
Merlin glanced at them, a little confused, but answered all the same. "I'm fine."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Merlin cut the crap. We all know that you say that all the time, whether you are actually fine or not. Tell us the truth."
Merlin sighed. "I don't know. I mean, I'm not weepy about it, I just don't want to celebrate chopping an innocent person's head off."
Morgana nodded. "I know what you mean. If you need to talk or something, though, know that you can always come to us."
Arthur nodded in agreement.
"I know. I think I finally found out what the reason for my magic is."
"What?" Morgana prompted, curious.
"Protecting my family."
Arthur scoffed. "I don't need protection."
"The old woman put us to sleep, Arthur. I think it's safe to say that if Merlin weren't there you'd be dead."
"No, I would wake up, pick up my sword and then challenge her."
Merlin and Morgana stared at him. Arthur stared back before cracking a smile. "Got you. You thought I was being an arrogant prat again."
Merlin rolled his eyes and stage whispered to Morgana, "He is always an arrogant prat."
Arthur let out an indignant, "Hey!" and punched Merlin in the arm. Merlin and Morgana started laughing, and Arthur soon joined in, happy that they were all okay.
A/N: If you're wondering how old Merlin is in this story, I have provided hints, but it requires math. Ugh, I know, math. Anyway, thanks for reading! Full credit to tallshadow72 for inspiring me to write this story. This story has some similarities to hers, but there are also big differences. If you want to read a Prince Merlin AU check hers out at .