His talents and secrets

Lamia Aftermath

Summary: After what happened to Lamia, Merlin was more distant from the knights. He quickly moved away from them and rarely spoke. Arthur, noticing his change, decided to get to the bottom of the issue

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◈ Arthur POV ◈

It's been two weeks since we returned to Camelot and I'm already sure that something happened to Merlin. 

I don't know what happened when me and Lancelot were separated from the rest but I know someone will be punished. 

Merlin is more of a jumpy and flinch when touched unexpectedly or too quickly I point in his direction. When he was helping me put on my shirt I suddenly raised my hand to make it easier for him but he flinched as if he expected me to hit him. 

I notice that he is more distant from Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival, watching their movements more and not making eye contact with them. 

I know Gwen knows what happened but she sits quietly with it, I'm sure Merlin asked her to be quiet. However, I couldn't let what they did go unpunished. 

Merlin is one of the most important people in my life, my mainstay and most important advisor. Thanks to him I am the king I am today. 

Thanks to him I know that all magic is not bad. That's what he told me about it a few months ago and for now we are keeping it a secret. 

 He is working on pulling off the ban on magic banning magic and I am going to appoint him to the Sorcerer Council. 

I don't understand why he didn't use it to prevent what happened but I'll get to that later. I stood with Lancelot in my chamber thinking about what happened 

'' We have to be firm. No matter what they try to tell us we have to find out the truth '' said Lance 

'' I know for this one time Marlin and Gewn should come here. I will not forgive anyone for hurting him and their attempt to hurt Gwen. I know it may not look like it but I know Merlin was taking their attacks on himself to protect her '' I said 

'' That's Merlin's way of putting himself at risk to protect someone else '' replied Lanc as Merlin and Gwen came inside 

'' Sit down we have some things to talk about '' I said pointing to two chairs 

'' You wanted to see us Arthur '' said Merlin 

'' I'm going to ask you a question and I want to hear the truth and nothing but the truth '' I started 

'' What happened when we got separated? '' I asked 

'' Nothing happened Arthur why '' began Merlin

'' Melin! '' I raised my voice and saw him flinch from me 

'' That's what I'm talking about Merlin what happened. You have never been so jumpy and you flinch when someone makes a quick move near you. Not paying attention that you distance yourself frim them and avoid Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival '' I said 

'' Merlin we can't help you if you find out what happened '' said Lancelot 

'' Gwen '' I added firmly 

'' Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival raised their hand against Merlin, challenged him and threatened to kill him '' she finally said 

'' WHAT! '' we shouted together 

'' It wasn't their fault '' tried Merlin 

'' Tell me from the beginning what happened and after that I will decide their punishment '' I said 

'' Arthur '' started Merlin 

'' No buts Merlin, now start from the beginning '' I interrupted him and I sat with Lace opposite them 

'' While we were returning to you we came across a girl who introduced herself as Lamia. When she saw Merlin she got scared and to this Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival reacted badly. I didn't understand what was going on and why they were acting like completely different people until Merlin explained to me what Lamia was '' began Gwen 

'' Lamia is a hybrid of a woman and a snake. She is a magical monster that devours children and young men tricked by her illusory beauty. She knows who I am for that she was afraid of me. Lamia brought them out under her spell to control them and then devour them '' explained Merlin 

'' Why didn't you protect yourself with magic? '' I asked

'' I didn't want to hurt them knowing they were not acting of their own free will '' he replied.

''  What did they call you Merlin? '' asked Lancelot 

'' Stupid, Priceless, Weak, Annoyingly,  I am only a servant and my word does not count '' he said and I felt my blood boil 

'' Arthur it is not their fault. They don't '' he started defending them 

'' Lancelot Gwen leave us '' I said closing my eyes taking a deep breath 

'' Lancelot think about it and help me come up with a punishment Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival. Not only Merlin was put in danger by them but also Gwen. As you and she have a relationship and Merlin is like a younger brother to you have a say in what punishment they will get '' I said 

'' I understand Arthur '' he said before leaving my chamber with Gwen. I picked him up from his chair and carried him to my bed

 '' Arthur? '' he asked uncertainly 

'' You know you are wonderful Merlin '' I said cuddling him into me 

'' You know I value you more than you think Merlin. You are nothing like what they said about you. You are brave, you are wise, you are the strongest person I know, because I don't know a person who has survived as much as you have and still kept moving forward. You for me are the most valuable person I know. Thanks to you and your advice I am the King I am today. I was afraid that I would be like my father but you changed that and I don't know where I would be now without you '' I started before I kissed him on the forehead 

'' Arthur '' he said weakly

 '' I love you Merlin '' I said 

'' I love you too '' he replied before I kissed him hard.

⌛ Some time later⌛

'' Should I help them? '' asked Merlin while watching Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival try to catch a turkey. 

As their punishment, Elyan, Leon, Gwain and Persival will work for 2 weeks as servants. A week in under the supervision of a cook and a week under the supervision of Geroge who teaches them the work of servants 

'' They will be fine don't worry '' I replied while hugging him from behind before laughing at their attempts to catch the bird. 

'' Who would have expected that four of my best knights would have trouble with a bird. This will teach them how they should behave towards Merlin and others no matter if they are under the influence of something or not '' I thought while watching the show strengthening my grip on Merlin 

'' No one will hurt you until I am here my Warlock '' I thought