Royal in Hiding

Chapter 3: Druids

Arthur and the rest of knights stared at Merlin in confusion along with Guinevere, none of them understanding why someone had just called him sire. "Uh, I can explain. He, well, they... I saved their lives once and in their culture the saving of ones life makes the savior their master or overlord until the debt is payed." Merlin lied, not really wanting to know his friends reaction if they knew that the Lost Prince had been right in front of them, magic and all, this whole time. 

"What are y-" Merlin cut the knight off. "Sir Emeritus! It is good to see you once more, are you with the true Queen and Princess? What about the Lost Prince?" Merlin cut the Knight off when the female knight spoke up. "Merlin! It has been to long!" She exclaimed and hugged him, leaning into whisper in his ear. "What are you playing at friend?" She asked quietly and Merlin whispered back. "I don't wish them to know, I don't want to lose their friendship." She pulled back, looking disappointed but nodded, she would keep his secret.... for now. 

"Merlin, why don't you introduce us to these fine people?" The She-Knight asked and Merlin nodded. "Sir Ernald, Sir Humfry, Lady Emelyne, Lady Arabella, and Lady Imayn, please meet Sir Gwaine, Sir Mordred, Sir Percival, Sir Leon, Sir Elyan, King Arthur of Camelot, and his Queen, Guinevere." Merlin said and the Knights bearing the Ambrosius crest all gracefully bowed before the Camelotian nobles. "Our pleasure." They said in unison and then they all turned to Merlin. From the back of the group Ernald's voice could be heard. "Get him!" He yelled and Merlin was tackled to the ground by his five Knights, all of them laughing when a bucket of water splashed on all of them. 

"Guys, Leave him alone." A feminine voice said from behind and all of the knights stood up, leaving Merlin on the ground, sopping wet. "Uh... Princess Ophelia!" Merlin shouted and jumped at her, hugging her in all his wetness. "Do not reveal me sister, I wish to stay unknown to my friends." He whispered in her ear. He felt her head nod and he smiled. "Merlin, you should get dried. why don't you use-" Merlin cut her off once more. "Ah, you would use your magic to dry me off Milady? Thank you, you are most kind." He said with a smile and Ophelia looked at her brother, realizing that not only did they not know of his lineage, but of his magic too. "I see, still roping me into stuff?" She asked and Merlin grinned. "Of course Milady." He told her and she sighed, whispered a spell under her breath, and her eye's flashed gold as all the water disappeared off of Merlins body and clothing. 

"There, better?" She asked and Merlin smiled "Much, Milady." Ophelia glared at him. "Merlin, I would love to think us friends. Please don't use titles. You know how My brother and I hate them." She whined and Merlin grinned and nodded. "Of course Ophelia." He stated and she nodded her approval. "So I have heard whispers that Emrys is the leading player in the rebellion against the False King? Is that so?" She asked and Merlin nodded. "Yes I am, Ophelia." He told her and she smiled. 

"But I heard that the Prince was leading it? That can't be Merlin so who is leading it?" Leon asked and all of the Larcean people went rigid except Merlin who grinned and turned to them. "No, The Prince remains lost to almost everyone, few know his location. But yes he does call the shots, I simply relay them to everyone." He explained and Leon nodded but Arthur's eye's grew wide. "Merlin! You know where the Lost Prince is!" He asked and Merlin looked at him like it was obvious. "Of course I do! Arthur, I thought you were finished trying to figure out my private life?" Merlin said and Arthur stared at Merlin, mouth slightly agape. 

"Merlin, you can't even lead your own to feet to do what you want, let alone a sword. How in heavens name are you leading an entire rebellion?" Arthur asked and Merlin went to answer when Lady Arabella cut him off. "Cant make a sword do his bidding? Merlin? Please, he is possibly the best swordsman in all the lands." She stated and Merlin blushed furiously. "No I am not, someone is better than me." He replied and Humfry hit him across the head.