Darkness

Princeling

Time passed on, and Merlin and Gwaine soon were unable to keep William hidden from the rest of the court. Once he started walking he was constantly on the move. The maid assigned to watch him was flustered. She was older, and he was a babe and full of energy. Things came to a head when William toddled into a knighting ceremony and, smiling brightly, grabbed onto Merlin's leg and babbled away. Merlin of course smiled right back and picked up his son. He tried getting him to quiet down, but it was too late. They'd drawn the attention of all the courtiers, including the King and Queen. It took all of Gwaine's willpower to stay where he was with the Knights and not rush to his family and sweep them out of the room. There was no denying that it was Merlin's child. They had the same dark hair and blue eyes. The King wrapped up the ceremony and was ambushed by his council.

"How does the Court Sorcerer have a child? His lover is a Knight, a man!"

"A child with his power is extremely dangerous. How could we not be informed!?" Arthur let them bluster for a while, as they walked to the small audience chamber. Merlin trailing after them, William clutching his finger as he walked alongside his father. Arthur tried not to smile at his nephew. The little one was growing fast and had everyone who knew about him already, wrapped around his little fingers.

"I'm sorry for not confiding in you. It was a delicate situation, as you have proven by your reactions. He is no danger to anyone, I assure you."

"How can you be sure?"

"William has no magical abilities. He won't gain them either. A seer has foretold this. He will be a very normal boy. You have no need to fear him." Merlin answered as he and William finally made it to the room. William let go of Merlin as soon as he caught sight of Uncle Arthur and tried to run to him. Arthur knelt and picked him up as soon as he reached him, ruffling his tiny curls.

"Who is the boy's mother?" The question hung in the air. Merlin went to stand by Arthur in case he would need to protect them.

"Does it matter?" Merlin asked quietly.

"Of course it matters!"

"Should we be expecting someone to come forward claiming parentage? Wanting recompense?"

"Why was this child allowed to live and roam through the castle unchecked?"

"His mother doesn't want him. She said whatever goodness there once was in her, is now in him. She said she was not suited to be a mother. He was conceived while I was imprisoned, though I didn't know it." Merlin paused and met Arthur's eyes, as if asking permission. With a nod Merlin continued, "his mother is Morgana Pendragon." Merlin said shakily. The sudden outburst scared William and caused him to start crying. Arthur handed him back to his father.

"Get him back to your rooms, I'll see to these fools." Arthur whispered to his friend. Percival was beside them in an instant and Merlin rushed William away from the angry councillors. Once they got back to their room, William had calmed some. Katharine was apologizing, tears running down her cheeks. Merlin assured her it wasn't her fault and that they should probably have hired her an assistant or something by now with as active as he had gotten. She retired back to the antechamber, taking William with her. Merlin paced the room, anxious energy surrounding him. He had created a small whirlwind around him, though he hadn't noticed. Sparks were coming off of him and his chest started to tighten. It was hard to breathe. He'd dreaded the day that anyone discovered his child, let alone who his mother was. He ran his hands through his hair, grabbing at it, as if it would help him reign in his thoughts. He tripped and was kneeling on the ground, trying to catch his breath as the panic had fully seized him. In that moment, he felt Morgana's presence. Could feel her mind, as if she were nearby.