Warlock in the Iron Mask

Chapter Nine

Merlin had never felt so happy. He still couldn't use his magic, the mask was still on partially but his hair was free and his ears and he could see properly. It was, it was more than he ever dreamed it would be. He laughed probably for the first time since he'd been back.

Arthur was smiling wide and free. "Merlin, Merlin.." He whispered. "Your eyes, your beautiful eyes." Arthur stroked the edges of his cheek and kissed his ears and lips. "You're almost free." He couldn't help but laugh when Merlin did, Merlin's laugh was infectious that way.

Morgana cleared her throat and Gwen's cheeks were red. That reminded Merlin that they were not alone.

"Arthur..." Merlin nudged his Prince.

Arthur had the grace to blush when he finally remembered that they were not alone. There was no way to deny his feelings now. "I---"

"Relax, dear." Morgana chuckled. "I knew all along." She gave them both a knowing smile.

"I wasn't sure but I sure did suspect!" Gwen's mouth was still open. "How long has this been going on?" She looked between them, indignant and yet pleased.

"Sorry, Gwen" Arthur gave an embarrassed chuckle. "I ... it's really a long story." He admitted.

Merlin curled up against Arthur, feeling more than a self conscious. "I think I'm starting to heal emotionally as well as physically that's why it's coming off."

"You don't need to push yourself." Arthur told him softly. "You went through a lot." It was true that Merlin didn't talk about it much at all, what he'd been through. He hadn't said anything at all about what had happened. Maybe that was why the mask was still on?

Merlin didn't agree, he had to push himself. His body wasn't healing as fast as it would be if he had his magic back. He was honestly worried if he would ever be able to use magic again. He could feel it there, suppressed, just out of reach and he was a little afraid of what would happen when he suddenly got it back.

"I have a theory about that." Morgana suggested as she headed over to the couch and sat on the other side of Merlin. Gwen went to get them all something to drink that was a bit stronger than what Morgana had in her rooms. "I think Merlin has to face his tormentor. I think you're still afraid he's going to drag you back to it and that this freedom is not real. I think, Merlin, deep in your subconscious mind you think you're imagining all of it and that is holding you back from full recovery."

"NO!" Merlin shook his head desperately and took a fist full of Arthur's shirt. "No, I don't ever want to see him again. Never! No, Arthur... don't make me. Please."

The abject terror in Merlin's eyes made anger boil in Arthur's chest at the man who did this. "Calm down." Arthur rubbed his back gently. "Calm down, Merlin. No, of course you don't have to." He shot Morgana a glare. "But tell me truly, do you really think this is a dream?" He tilted Merlin's chin up to search his eyes.

"Everything is so weird and too good to be true." Merlin admitted and lowered his gaze. "I'm afraid..." He swallowed. "I'm afraid the answer is yes. I'm sorry, Arthur. Morgana is right." Without his magic, how could he ever know for sure that he would not wake up one day back in the cell? It ate at him in the back of his mind, especially when he was lying awake at night. He sniffled slightly, feeling useless.

Arthur heart fell. Merlin didn't trust any of this, didn't trust his own heart. "Oh, Merlin" He took his lover's lips in another soft kiss. "This IS real. How can I convince you?"

Morgana sighed. "I think there might be a way."

Merlin looked over at her because the look in Arthur's eyes was killing him and he needed to look somewhere.

"I think you need to experience pain, Merlin." Morgana's voice was soft. Gwen eventually brought in the hard liquor. "I think you need it so that you can completely believe. Have you two? Since..."

Arthur shook his head.

"Then you should, and there should be pain." Morgana took a glass full of said strong liquor. "I think that is the only way Merlin will snap out of this when he is sure that the pain is not coming from captivity. I think he will be free when he is sure that the pain is coming from something good. I think if he sees it is you he will know he is free and safe and the mask will vanish."