Merlin: the secret prince

Arthur's return to camelot

The golden sun cast long shadows over the courtyard of Camelot as final preparations for departure were made. The chatter of servants, the clatter of horseshoes on cobblestone, and the wind rustling through banners gave the moment a weight of finality.

At the center stood Merlin, arms crossed, expression troubled. Behind him stood his loyal knights — Sir Isaac, his oldest and most strategic commander; Sir William, always quick with a jest and a grin; and Sir Elijah, the quiet, watchful one who spoke little but missed nothing.

Arthur gave a final command to a page before turning to face Merlin.

"Do you really have to go back so soon?" Merlin asked, not bothering to hide the sting in his voice.

"I do," Arthur replied. "Camelot won't run itself, you know."

"But Percival is staying here," Merlin pointed out.

"I've always had Percy," Merlin continued. "We grew up together!"

Sir Isaac leaned in and muttered to Elijah, "You'd think he was being abandoned in a forest, not left with half an army and his twin brother."

"And us," William added cheerfully, raising a hand. "Don't forget the three of us."

"Merlin tends to forget we're not made of smoke when Arthur's around," Elijah said, dry as ever.

Merlin shot them a glare over his shoulder. "You're all very funny today."

Arthur chuckled. "Stop being a baby, Merlin. We'll visit when we can."

"Bring real wine this time!" Gwaine called from a few feet away. "None of that weird fermented peach stuff."

"It was mango, thank you!" William called back, offended. "And it's a delicacy in Deria."

"Tastes like spoiled summer," Gwaine muttered, earning laughter from the Camelot knights.

But the levity quieted as Merlin asked seriously, "What about the dragons?"

Arthur's tone shifted. "We'll need to build them a proper den first. It'll take time, but once it's ready, we'll bring them."

"We can help with that," Sir Isaac said. "We have builders who specialize in enchanted structures."

Merlin nodded. "Some of them helped build the dragon den beneath Deria's mountain. If we send them, it'll go faster. But..." his gaze returned to Arthur, "you'll need to legalize magic first."

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Merlin."

"What?"

"Don't play innocent. You know what you're doing."

Merlin was about to retort when Noah cut in from nearby. "He's been making that face since we were toddlers. Still thinks it'll win arguments."

"It usually does," Liliana said, arriving at Merlin's side, linking her arm with his.

Amelia, who had been listening silently nearby, spoke up, her voice hopeful. "Can I help with the dragon den? I've been studying magical architecture and dragon nesting patterns."

"She actually has," Isaac confirmed with a proud smile. "Wrote a ten-page scroll on it. Unprompted."

Arthur looked amused. "You've got quite the team here, Merlin."

"They're more than a team," Merlin said. "They're family."

As Morgana and Guinevere joined them, the conversation turned serious again.

"We'll send word as soon as magic is legal in Camelot again," Morgana said. "And then we'll convene a summit. It's time the two kingdoms stood united."

"We'll prepare Deria's court," Liliana said. "Together, we'll make the announcement."

"In the meantime," Merlin added, "I'll construct a portal connecting our capitals. For diplomacy, emergencies... or if Arthur forgets to bring the wine again."

"Finally, someone thinking practically," Lancelot said with a grin.

Sir Elijah stepped forward quietly. "I'll guard the portal once it's built. If it's the link between our worlds, it needs to be protected."

Arthur gave a respectful nod to him. "Then it will be in good hands."

More goodbyes followed. Derian knights embraced their Camelot counterparts. Gwaine and William clapped each other on the back like long-lost brothers. Isaac and Leon exchanged tactical maps. Elijah gave Elyan a quiet nod — the silent bond of warriors.

Arthur approached Merlin one last time.

"You've grown into more than a friend, Merlin. You're a leader. A king."

"And you'll always be my brother," Merlin replied, clasping his arm.

The trumpets of Camelot rang out. The royal party began to ride. Banners caught the last light of day, casting long shadows across the courtyard.

As the sound of hooves faded, Amelia turned to Liliana.

"So... when do we start the portal?"

Liliana looked at Merlin with a spark in her eye.

"I believe the future starts now."