Merlin stared at the shackles around his wrists sadly. His time was coming soon and then this would all be over. He hadn't expected Arthur to act so violently after hearing him confess he was a warlock. This was the worst case scenario and there was no way out of it.

Leon and Gwaine walked into his cell angrily. They grabbed his arms harshly and pulled him up to his feet. "Let's go, traitor," Gwaine spat angrily. His face was contorted into a grimace as was Leon's. Merlin looked down with self-hatred. "Monster," a guard commented. Merlin was led to the pyre where he was to be burned alive. He looked upon the scared and disgusted faces of the crowd, the faces that once smiled lovingly at him. Arthur was stood at a balcony with Gwen. Both had a look of betrayal on their faces. Merlin wanted to shout out to them and tell them he's good, not evil but it would be no use. They'd already decided. 

As he was being tied up he saw Giaus turn away from him. Merlin began to tear up. He smelt the smoke of the fire burning a torch a guard was holding and barely heard Arthur label him as a traitor. The torch was thrown and he was set alight. He didn't want to die like this, this slow painful death. Everything he had done for Arthur was nothing now. Arthur hated him as did the rest of the Knights. His lungs filled with the black smoke and he let out a single loud scream that echoed through the courtyard. Then everything was black...

Merlin sat straight up with a face full of fear. Tears trailed down his face and mixed with his sweat. Nightmares were nothing new but this was far from normal. He could still feel the flames and still tasted the smoke in his mouth. He whimpered softly and hugged his knees tightly. All he did was confess who he really was. His friends were supposed to support him not burn him. The law hadn't been changed, what was he expecting? For Arthur to gladly accept him even when his parents had been killed by magic. No Arthur reacted the way he would react in reality. Out of anger and pain of being betrayed by a friend. He took in a deep breath and let it out to calm him down. After he got dressed and looked out the window. The sun was just about to rise meaning if he set off now he'd be early for his duties. He walked past Giaus quickly, not wanting to be questioned about his early awakening.

As he walked into the prince's room he opened the curtains and tried to put on a happy voice. "Rise and shine," he said as gleefully as he could. Arthur groaned as always before sitting up. Merlin began setting out his clothes when Arthur noticed how pale his manservant looked. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," the king inquired. Merlin's eyes widened a little as he busied himself. "No sire, I'm fine." But Arthur could tell something was wrong. There was no sarcastic remark or smile that greeted him that morning. "We're going hunting in an hour, I want my equipment polished and my horse ready. The hunt should last a few days so pack enough food for six." He ordered dismissing his worry for the young warlock. Merlin nodded and swiftly began to walk out the room. "Oh, and Merlin," Arthur called after him. The raven-haired male turned to him. "Cheer up," he added.