The windows are bolted shut in the room. The curtains are tightly drawn, allowing none of the moonlight to seep in. A single candle flickers on the centre table, wax dripping down its side from the prolonged use. Eerie shadows paint the walls, forming five hunched figures. One of the figures move, beginning to pace back and forth along the room.

The chamber is silent, save for the sound of the pacing man's boots striking the wooden floor and the rattle of the window as the wind howls outside. The man stops, turning to face the other's in the room with his head hanging low. "I still say we don't tell him," Gwaine says.

"He is the prince and he deserves to know that his own servant is a sorcerer," Leon says, looking down at the table where his fists lay clenched.

Lancelot turns to Leon. "Merlin's our friend too. Sorcerer or not. We owe it to him to keep this secret and besides, I have seen the things he's done. He means no harm."

"Keeping this hidden won't be good for either of them," Elyan says, "the longer this goes on the more it will hurt. And sorcerers are known to lie. One had lied to my father, resulting in his death. I'd say I would prefer if the prince knew. Allow him to pass judgment."

"Are you saying you don't trust Merlin?" Gwaine scoffs, sending a nasty glare towards the blacksmith's son.

Elyan holds up his hands in defence. "I'm only being cautious. I've had bad experiences with sorcerers and would rather us be careful."

"Did you not see what he did? He saved Arthur."

"And he has yet to come back to Camelot. The trip back should have only taken a few hours at most. It has been two days. They ought to be back by now," Leon says.

Gwaine stomps towards the table, slamming his hands down onto the wood, rattling the candle. "Are you implying that Merlin is going to kill the prince?"

"I'm not saying he is. I'm only stating the possibility. I consider Merlin a friend just as much as the rest of you. I can hardly believe he has an evil bone in his body, but if he has been dabbling in witchcraft, whether it was good or not, I would rather the prince know. Especially when he's in love with him."

Gwaine sighs. He turns towards Percival, who has remained silent through the whole interaction. "What do you think? Should we tell him or not?"

Percival is quiet. He looks between the others in the group before settling on his decision. "I think we should talk to Merlin. We should hear his side of the story before deciding anything. It's unjust to decide this without at least hearing from him."

Lancelot nods. "Indeed. Perhaps hearing from him might make you change your minds. and besides, quite frankly I'm curious as to why he learned magic. He's never told me."

"Then we'll wait another day. If they're not back by then, we will head out and look," Leon says, gaining a nod of approval from the others.

----

Thankfully, the prince and his servant returned the following morning. The knights gather out in the courtyard to greet their future king, faces filled with relief as they see him fit and healthy. Arthur smiles at them, looking more refreshed than he has been for months. He dismounts easily, seeming to be fully recovered from the wound in his chest.

Merlin smiles at the group as well before dismounting. He turns his back on the others, unsaddling his horse and chatting idly with the stable boy. The knights are already heading towards Merlin, ready to drag him into an alcove and confront him but the prince steps in between them.

Arthur smiles at all his knights again widely, clearly happy about something. He claps Leon on the shoulder. "Thank you all, for telling me not to give up."

The group smiles nervously, keeping an eye on the servant behind him as he leads the horses back towards the stable, still in conversation with the stable hand. They curse silently to themselves, they need to get to Merlin now. He's always impossible to find when needed.

"Um... that's good to hear, sire," Leon says, eyes still shifting towards Merlin's receding back.

"I might still have a chance yet," Arthur says, looking excited now, "Any more ideas?"

The knights glance at each other nervously. Seeing the man's excited and hopeful face makes them shift uncomfortably. Arthur's in such high sprits, none of them wanted to ruin it with the news they bared, especially news about someone that could most likely be the love of his life. They also still had yet to talk to Merlin. They didn't even know if they were going to tell the prince at all.

"Perhaps... you could... get him a gift!" Elyan says, seeing Merlin disappear around the corner and into the lower town.

"A gift?" Arthur raises an eyebrow, "What kind?"

"A... uh..." Elyan struggles for an idea.

"A neckerchief!" Lancelot jumps in, hoping to hurry the conversation along, "You should go ask Gwen to make him one! Yes, do that. We have some business to attend to at the moment. Now, if you will excuse us my lord."

"Wai-" Before Arthur could finish, the knights are all dashing towards the gate out the courtyard.

The prince stares in stunned silence at the oddity of his knights. They acted strange at times, of course, but never like this. He raises a quizzical eyebrow, contemplating whether or not to give chase before someone calls his name. He turns to find one of the lords heading down the steps from the castle, documents in his hand. The prince sighs. The kingdom should have precedence over the eccentric behaviour of his knights, matters of state come first. With that he heads into the castle, ready to review the documents that have no doubt begun to pile on his desk. After he's finished with those, he'll head out to the lower town and ask Gwen for the favour.

-----

"Merlin!" Gwaine shouts as he swings through the doors of the stables, breathing heavily.

The servant turns his attention from the horse, bewildered at the sudden appearance of the panting knight. Knights actually. The others arrive soon after him, all seeming to be in the same state of fatigue.

"Did you need something?" Merlin asks, raising an eyebrow.

None of them respond, they only glance around, as if examining their surroundings before Gwaine grabs the boy by the arm and drags him back towards the citadel. Merlin struggles against his grip, trying in vain to wiggle his arm free but the knight has a grip like iron. The group marches straight ahead, ignoring the quizzical looks cast by the townspeople as they pass.

"What's wrong? Has something happened?" Merlin asks, his eyes skirting between the knights.

"We can't talk here," Gwaine replies, keeping his head facing forward, "Too many people."

Merlin glances around, wondering what was of such importance. The town is noisy at this time of day, especially in the warm summer. The shouts of merchants as they bartered their goods dominate the commotion of the lower town. There's little chance anyone could hear what they say, that's if they even bothered to listen.

Nevertheless, Merlin allows himself to be dragged through the winding streets towards the citadel. Once they enter the castle, Gwaine pushes him into an unused storage chamber. Merlin stumbles on his feet, almost crashing against the wall of the tiny room before managing to regain his balance. He turns to find the knights filing in after him. They bolt the door shut behind them before turning with their arms crossed over their chests.

"Merlin, we want you to tell us the truth," Leon begins, voice stern.

Merlin looks between them, the nervousness finally settling in and making his knees knock. The first thought in his head is that they know. He didn't know how they could have discovered his magic but they must have found out some how. Did they catch him when he was polishing the prince's armour the other day? Or perhaps they overheard one of his conversations with Gaius? Whatever the case may be, they had found out and they are furious.

He tries to feign ignorance, pretending to be the innocent and harmless servant that trips over his own two feet on a daily basis. "What are you lot on about?" He asks, giving a small chuckle and casting a curious look between each member of the group.

"You know what we are talking about, don't play dumb," Elyan says, pointing an accusing finger towards the servant.

Merlin shakes his head. "I don't-"

"Merlin..." The warlock turns at the sound of Lancelot's voice. "They know,"

Merlin's eyes widen at his words. He whips his head towards the knights surrounding him, seeing the angered glares of his friends. Or perhaps it's former friends. He can't be sure how they consider him now that his secret is out.

"You know...?" Merlin asks tentatively, voice almost a quiet squeak.

They all nod.

"When? How?"

"During the bandit attack. We saw what you did," Gwaine says.

"You were there?! And you didn't do anything to save Arthur?!" Merlin almost yells, temporarily forgetting the fact that his magic had just been discovered.

"We would have. Only you acted before we could," Leon says in their defence.

Merlin looks down at the tips of his boots, knowing they were right. He had acted in a fit of rage, thinking about nothing but getting Arthur away safety.

"You don't deny it then? You have magic?" Leon takes a step forward, hand resting menacingly on the hilt of his sword.

Merlin swallows. He can feel the words catch in his throat as he tries to respond. After all the years of keeping it down, it's hard to get the words to come out when he needs to. "Yes, I do. I have magic."

The words sound foreign on his tongue. He hardly believes he had said the words aloud, but the looks on the knights faces tell a different story. The knights, all except Lancelot, look away, as if their worst fears had been confirmed. A few moments pass in silence. Merlin shifts uncomfortably, unsure how they will react now that it has been affirmed.

"Why do you practise magic?" Percival is the first to speak again, "you live in Camelot. You of all people should have known the risks."

"I was born with it... I could move objects with my mind before I even learned to talk."

"Then why did you come to Camelot?" Elyan raises an eyebrow, arms crossed over his chest in suspicion.

"My mother sent me here. She wanted Gaius to teach me how to better control my magic. I did not come here with an ulterior motive. I came because it was the only place left for me to go."

Leon, Elyan, and Percival continue to regard the servant skeptically. Gwaine seems to have relaxed, his mind already made up while Lancelot leans against the wall, his decision made long ago.

"Why should we trust you? You're a sorcerer," Leon says, trying to look intimidating.

Merlin looks away, expression sad. "I would never hurt anyone. Not if there is another way."

"You seemed quite inclined to burn those bandits," Elyan points out.

Merlin stiffens, looking down at his feet. "I know. I'm sorry. I saw Arthur hurt and..."

Gwaine steps in between them. He points an accusing finger towards Elyan, "Merlin may have hurt them but we both know that we were about to do the same."

Elyan looks away, seeming guilty. He takes a step back, hanging his head in apology.

"What else have you done? With your magic, I mean," Leon asks.

Merlin looks back up. "I've saved you all. On numerous occasions. I assure you, I only use it to protect Arthur," Merlin says, looking at Leon pleadingly.

"How are we to know if you are telling the truth? Sorcerers are all liars,"

Merlin's fists clench at the accusation. Anger burns in the pit of his stomach, all the pent up frustration from the past few years finally igniting. "I have been protecting Arthur the moment I set foot into the castle! I have fought dragons, beasts, bandits, and my own kin for him! I have fought by his side and saved his royal ass too many times to count, but do I ever get a word of thanks for risking my life day in and day out so Arthur can have another? No, I don't, and you know what? I don't regret any of it. I would do the same thing if I had another chance. Do what you will with this information. Tell Arthur, tell Uther even. I can't prove to you that I'm telling the truth, but know that Arthur is my friend and I will protect him until my last breath."

With that Merlin pushes past the group of speechless knights. He unbolts the door and leaves the room.

-----

Arthur taps at the wood of the dining table in Gwen's house, waiting patiently for the girl to finish the gift. The maid sits across from him, pulling the needle through the cloth in her hands with expert ease. He glances around the room, eyes shifting across the cabinets and stove in Gwen's kitchen and stirring up less than pleasant memories. He shivers at the thought of the strange thing he had made and tried to pass off as a meal. He knew it looked wrong, but he was too prideful at the time to admit he had made a mistake.

Arthur pushes the thought from his mind and proceeds to think of the two days he had spent alone with Merlin. While the prince had been recovering, the two had managed to grow closer. During the time, he had learned much about his manservant. For instance, he learned that Merlin's favourite food was his mother's pies and that Merlin's favourite animal are rabbits. Apparently, he used to have a little white bunny named Snowball that died when he was five. He said he had cried for over a week before his mother managed to calm him down.

Arthur chuckles at the thought, smiling to himself in the dimly lit room. He loves Merlin, he loves him more than he could say. His smiles, his laughs, everything about the young serving boy is perfect to the prince. Even his clumsiness.

"It's finished!" Gwen says in a sing song voice, holding up the piece of cloth towards Arthur.

The prince smiles brightly, taking the finished product in his hands and turning it over. The seams are sewed together flawlessly without a stitch out of place. The thin gold trim brightens the usually dull red cloth. Arthur pinches the fabric between his fingers, feeling the softness against his fingertips. He smiles at the completed piece, hardly able to contain his excitement. He only hopes Merlin will like it.

"Thank you, Gwen. This is perfect!" Arthur says, holding it out in front of him to admire.

"It's no problem. I haven't had much time to sew lately. It was quite the refreshment," Gwen says with a smile, "though who is this for? You never told me."

Arthur only smiles, folding the cloth carefully away as he stands. "Someone special."

Gwen thinks for a moment, contemplating who it could be for before coming to an epiphany. "It's Merlin, isn't it?"

Arthur freezes in his tracks, turning to look at her nervously. "Um... yes. Is it that obvious?"

"No one else where's a neckerchief like that."

Arthur chuckles. "I suppose so."

Gwen gives a knowing smile. "Why are you giving a gift? Trying to win his favour?"

Arthur blushes at her words, hiding his face with a hand.

Gwen squeals in excitement, clapping her hands together. "Oh, Arthur! I'm glad to hear you've found someone else! Have you told him yet?"

Arthur scratches the back of his head, an embarrassed smile on his face. "No, not yet. He... he doesn't know."

"You haven't told him?"

Arthur shakes his head, "I don't know what he thinks."

Gwen purses her lips, "What were you planning? To court him?"

Arthur flushes.

Gwen laugh again, finding the whole situation amusing. "You were? That's so adorable!"

"It is not adorable!"

Gwen laughs even harder. "If you want to know how he feels then why don't you just tell him?"

Arthur considers her words for a moment. "I'm nervous..."

"Well, don't be. I'm sure he loves you too." Gwen smiles at him sweetly, pinching his cheek.

"You think so?"

"Of course."

Arthur smiles, remembering to keep the idea in the back of his head. "Thank you, I'll consider your suggestion."

Gwen smiles and sends him off, waving goodbye as the prince heads towards the citadel in search for his manservant.

-----

Merlin sets down the last plate on the table. He sighs, staring down at the meal set out in from of him and wondering whether this would be the last time he does this. He wonders what the knights will do. Will they tell Arthur? What about Gwaine and Lancelot? Are they prepared to leave him as well? He wouldn't blame them if they did. Defending him now would be an act of treason.

A knock sounds on the door, making Merlin jump, frightened that the guards are here and about to take him away. He steels his nerves, preparing for the worst when the doors open. The knights all stand before him. They shut the door behind them and bolt it shut.

"Merlin..." Leon begins, eyes skimming the room, "We... we came to apologize."

Elyan nods, "We acted rashly. We accused you of crimes without hearing what you had to say... nor having any proof. We're sorry," the knight bows his head.

"We promise we won't tell Arthur or Uther," Percival adds with a smile.

"We will take the secret to our graves," Gwaine says with one of his cheeky grins.

Lancelot beams. "We will always be your friends."

Merlin smiles, the grin spreading wider than it ever has on his face. Relief, happiness, all forms of emotions cross the servant's face. He can hardly believe what he's hearing.

"Thank you," Merlin says, wiping the tears that had formed in the corners of his eyes, "I promise I will protect this kingdom with my life."

The knights seem content. They unbolt the door, all shooting the servant one last smile before leaving the prince's chambers.

The servant moves about the room, continuing on with his tasks with renewed vigour. A weight feels to have been lifted off his shoulders at having his secret be accepted by the knights. If only Arthur would do the same.

As Merlin finishes pouring the wine into Arthur's waiting goblet said prince enters the room. He grins excitedly as he enters, seeming to be hiding something behind his back. He takes a few strides closer to the servant.

"Ah, Merlin. Funny seeing you here," he says.

Merlin raises an eyebrow, setting the pitcher down on the side table. "I'm always here at this time, everyday."

"Right..." Arthur looks nervous, he's rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, "I have something for you."

"For me?"

Arthur nods, he brings out a neatly wrapped package from behind his back and pushes it across the table towards the servant. Merlin eyes it wearily before picking it up, examining the neatly tied bow on the top that had most certainly not been tied by him. He looks back up at Arthur who only gestures with his hand, giving him the permission to open the supposed gift.

Merlin pulls gently on the ribbon, letting it drop to the table before picking apart the wrapping. His eyes widen at the newly made neckerchief. He picks it up gingerly, as if it were an illusion that would dissipate if touched. He runs his fingers across the soft material of the cloth, wondering how much such a fabric must have cost. The golden trimming along the side is mesmerizing, the colours contrasting each other perfectly.

"This... looks beautiful," Merlin mutters in awe.

Arthur smiles, "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it! Where did you find this?"

"I had it made. I asked Gwen."

Merlin lifted the cloth up again, staring at the neckerchief. "I didn't know Gwen could make something like this... Thank you."

"It was not a problem."

Merlin smiles, taking his own tattered neckerchief off and replacing it with the new one. He relishes in the feeling of the smooth fabric. Rejoicing as the itchiness from the old cloth finally disappears from his neck. He spins in a circle on his heel, showing the new neckerchief off to Arthur.

"Well? How does it look?"

Arthur chuckles, "Perfect."

Merlin laughs as well, his usual smile appearing on his face. He turns around, about to tend to the fire when Arthur reaches over, grasping the sleeve of his jacket, and pulls him back.

"Wait," he says, steeling his nerves for what he's about to say. 

Merlin raises an eyebrow, turning back around to face Arthur. "What is it?"

"I... l-l-love someone." Arthur looks as though he wants to slap himself.

Merlin's face drops. His shoulders slump, but he keeps smiling. He keeps smiling for Arthur. "That's great!"

Arthur returns the smile nervously, eyes skirting around the room. "D-do you have anyone?"

Merlin tenses up, his face flushes. "Y-yes..."

Arthur's attention is immediately peeked. He grabs Merlin's shoulders, grip tight and eyes wide. "Who?"

Merlin brushes away his hands. He takes a step back, giving a knowing smile. "It's someone with the brightest blue eyes, and shining blond hair," Merlin could hardly believe what he's saying. He didn't know where the sudden rush of bravery had come from. Perhaps he's jealous about what Arthur had said. He didn't know, but it's much too late to back down now.

-----

Arthur's eyes narrow. Who is this person? This individual that has managed to capture his servant's heart? He needed to know. "And?"

"And..." Merlin continues, a cheeky grin now on his face. The amusement clear in his expression. "He's a thick headed knight. He can't dress himself and he works me to the bone. He's a prat and a clot-pole, but I love him. I love him because he's brave, noble, just, and one day I know he will make a great king. And until that day comes, I'll stay by his side."

Arthur's face reddens. Even he isn't oblivious enough to miss such a large hint. What does he do? Should he say it?

Merlin only smiles, rocking back and forth on his heels as he waits for Arthur to respond. When the prince doesn't move, the servant leans in so their faces are only inches away from each other. Arthur almost stumbles backwards at the close proximity. He feels his palms getting sweaty from nervousness. He should say it.

"Merlin, I-I lo-love-" he still can't get the words out. No matter how hard he tries. He's too nervous.

Merlin only smiles, seeming to understand what Arthur wanted to say. He closes the distance, planting a gentle kiss on Arthur's lips before pulling away. The prince stares, dumbfounded at the development. Merlin winks, turning to leave only to feel Arthur grab his wrist. He twirls the servant around and kisses him back full on the lips. He pulls away, but keeps his grip firm not allowing him to try and leave again. 

"I love you, Merlin," he finally manages to say. 

The servant chuckles, "Took you long enough."

Arthur grins and closes the distance yet again, kissing the servant with renewed energy. Merlin leans in, wrapping his arms around Arthur's neck. He considers telling Arthur about his magic, but the blissful expression on the prat's face when he pulls away makes him hesitate. He doesn't want to ruin everything when they finally obtained it. Should he wait? No, that would only hurt him more and he's sure the knights would prefer it if the prince knew.

"Arthur?"

"Hm?" Arthur hums, still hypnotized by his servant's eyes.

"I have something to tell you..."

"What is it?"

Merlin takes in a deep breath. He unhooks his arms from around the prince's neck. "I-I have magic."

Arthur's eyes widen before letting out a nervous chuckle, "This isn't a matter to joke about."

"I'm serious." He lifts a hand up, letting a flame dance across his palm. "I'm a warlock."

Arthur staggers back, almost smashing into the table beside him. The plates clatter against the wood, the candle flames flicker from the movement. Instinctively, he reaches for the hilt of his sword. His fingers wrap around the hilt, pulling the sword free from his belt and holding it out towards the servant. 

Merlin smothers the flame in his hand and takes a tentative step back. "I mean you no harm. I never have."

The blade trembles in Arthur's grip, the tip swaying from its target. The emotions are clear as glass on the prince's face. The look of anguish and betrayal evident. "You lied to me..."

"I know... and I'm sorry. I had too." Merlin's voice is desperate, urgent.

The prince's arm continues to shake. He knows Merlin. Knows him better than he knows even himself, but his father's teachings refuse to submit. They fight him, push him to attack. He's a sorcerer, they shout in his head. Sorcerers killed your mother, turned Morgana evil. Kill him before they take him away too.

Arthur shakes the thoughts away, quenching the anger that threatens to burn a hold through his heart. Those thoughts were his father's. Not his own. What does he think for himself? He focuses his gaze on the servant in front of him, looking fearful and small despite having more power than the whole kingdom combined. How can he hurt him when he looked so fragile? 

Slowly, Arthur lowers his sword. A surprised look crosses Merlin's face at the action. "Why?" Merlin asks, voice quiet.

Arthur takes a shuddering breath. "I can never stay mad at you Merlin... but I would have like to have heard this sooner."

"I was afraid of what you would do..."

Arthur sighs, understanding Merlin's fear. "I would never do such a thing. I promise you that. I am not my father."

Merlin gives a small smile. "Thank you."

Arthur smiles back, reaching a hand out to him. Merlin takes it, giving it a shake before Arthur yanks him forward. He pulls the servant into his arms again, nuzzling into his neck. "I forgive you. Just don't ever leave me."

Merlin feels his heart flutter against his chest. He pulls his prince in close, holding on to him like a lifeline. "I'm happy to be your servant, till the day I die."

-----

A/N - This is the last chapter for this story and I hope you liked it! 

I have plans for another big fic that will hopefully come out soon. ;) Be on the lookout for it! 

Thank you to everyone for reading!