the lost prince

two

Arthur stared at Merlin in shock. "I-I need to think for a minute. Sit down, all of you. I need more explanation. Gwaine, how do you know these knights?"

Gwaine cleared his throat. "Before I was a knight of Camelot, I was a, uh, a knight of Aurelia. First Knight, actually." He said quietly. "When Merlin fled the kingdom, I elected to accompany him. We traveled to Camelot, a place no one would suspect a Warlock Prince to hide. Then I became a knight here, and Merlin became your servant."

Arthur gaped at the crowd in front of him. "Merlin, now it's your turn." Arthur kept his sword at his hip, but found his hand hovering near his sheath.

Merlin took a breath. "Arthur, you must understand; I am not your enemy here." Arthur scoffed, but Merlin pressed on. "I know it feels like i've betrayed you right now. But I swear on magic itself that I only did what I thought was right. I couldn't put your kingdom in danger, especially not after what happened to mine.

"I do have magic, Arthur, and I can see the fear in your eyes as I speak. I know this is the biggest betrayal, and I am truly sorry. But I only ever used my power for good, i've protected you, or at least i've tried to. You're like a brother to me, Arthur. I know i've destroyed any sense of trust you ever had in me. You as well, Leon, Elyan. I know this is a shock, and I understand if you wish for me to leave immediately. If that is your wish, I will do so. But please, don't think me to be evil."

Artur took a breath, and felt tears threatening to leave his eyes. It wasn't Merlin's fault, exactly, but this was just one too many stresses and trials he'd dealt with. He didn't care about the magic, he just couldn't believe that Merlin hadn't told him. He wasn't even angry, just shocked.

"I don't care about the magic, you idiot!" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Merlin's men tense, but he held out a hand, and they relaxed. "I don't care about any of it." He surged forward, embracing Merlin in a hug. Merlin sighed.

"Thank you, Arthur. Thank you." Merlin said, and the pair smiled. There was definitely tension there; the matter was definitely not done being discussed, and Gwaine was sure the conversation would be continued in private.

"So," Arthur began, gesturing for everyone to rise. "How can we help?"

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The group convened in Arthur's chambers that evening, Merlin pouring them each a glass of wine. "Merlin, you don't have to do that anymore. You aren't a servant," Arthur said, frowning.

Merlin smiled. "I know. But if I don't do it, no one will. And I didn't mind being a servant, you know. It's certainly humbling."

They all sat down, and Merlin looked at his knights. "So, men, tell me; what is the current state of my kingdom?"

Arthur felt a chill run down his spine. He'd never heard Merlin so serious, so commanding. It was so odd to hear Merlin call a kingdom "his" and Arthur had to remind himself again that he and Merlin shared the same status, and always had. They were equals in every sense of the word.

When no one spoke, Merlin's fist hit the table. "I said, what is the state of my kingdom." Merlin said quietly, and then Tareen spoke.

"Sire, Amar is still in control of the citadel. He sits on your father's throne, and rules harshly. As you fleed the citadel, Nankeen led the warriors and all who could fight, magic or not, into the Koteel Mountains. We have hidden there since, and Nankeen has been sending out troops periodically to gain followers and troops. We have slowly been trying to shift the citizens of the lower town into the mountains without Amar noticing. Prince Nankeen tries his best, but he was only thirteen summers when you left, and he still isn't full grown. He did everything he could, but he was not prepared to lead. Finally, we believe we have enough forces to take back your citadel, Sire. All we need is you."