A pleasant spark shoots down his spine when he feels Arthur's lips press against his. Merlin leans into the kiss with fervour, his grip tightening around the king's waist as though the moment would end if he lets go. He can feel Arthur return the gesture, his arms pulling him closer as he deepens the kiss, slipping his tongue into the warlock's mouth. Merlin moans in pleasure at the action, feeling his magic tingle underneath his skin, bursting through the seams with excitement as it responds to his elation.

They part a few moments later, a little breathless and with much too wide grins on their faces. Neither seem to want to let go, both keeping their arms wrapped around the other as they simply stare once more. Arthur though, is the first to break his gaze, his eyes seeming to have been caught by something behind the servant's head.

Merlin raises an eyebrow, turning his head to follow Arthur's stare and immediately flushes red with embarrassment. Pots, vials, and books all dance through the air, performing little twirls and flips as they float around the physician's chambers. 

The king chuckles as he watches one of Gaius' tomes sail past his head, the book flapping its leather bound cover as though it were a set of wings. Arthur lifts a hand up to poke at one of the floating vials, laughing with amusement as it snuggles up to him.

Merlin gapes at the flying objects, feeling embarrassed at having his magic react in such a way to his emotions. He should be able to control his magic by now, especially after years of Gaius' tutelage. He racks his brain to remember the correct spell to stop the floating objects. He mutters a mad jumble of words until finally something works. The jars and potions drop from the air suddenly, the life sucked out of them in an instant and Merlin swears he can hear Arthur give a small sigh of disappointment. The warlock, on the other hand, lets out a breath of relief before turning back to Arthur, a tinge of red still on his cheeks. "I guess I got a little too excited," he says quietly.

Arthur laughs, running a hand through the servant's hair soothingly. "I suppose that's something you'll have to learn to control if you're planning on staying. My chambers are already messy enough as is because of a certain incompetent servant that consistently neglects his duties."

Merlin smiles, the redness disappearing from his cheeks as they return to their familiar routine. "And who decided to lock said incompetent servant down in the dungeons so he couldn't perform his duties?"

Arthur snickers, "A proper servant would have shown up to work anyways. I never officially sacked you after all."

Merlin's about to give another retort when a knock echoes around the room. "Sire?" A voice calls from the other side, "Are you there?"

Merlin tenses immediately once he hears the voice of the man on the other side. He would recognize that voice anywhere. After all, it has managed to haunt his nightmares for quiet awhile now. He shoots a quick glance towards Arthur who looks equally as panicked, the relaxed expression from earlier having melted away instantly. The king gestures towards the small room behind them, a sense of urgency in his eyes as he shoves Merlin towards the stairs.  

The warlock doesn't complain as he moves quietly up the few steps, entering the room and shutting the door behind him. He presses his ear against the wood once he's inside, trying to listen in as best he can from across the room.

"Ah, uncle," he hears Arthur say, feigning surprise, "I didn't expect to find you here."

"Nor did I, my lord," there's a moment of silence, "Is there no one else? I thought I heard you talking with someone."

Arthur gives a soft chuckle. "I believe you are mistaken, uncle. There was no one else here."

"I see. Must have been my imagination," Agravaine replies with a laugh, "Though might I ask why you're here? I thought you would be out searching for the sorcerer with your knights." There's a hint of disgust in the man's voice as he mentions the escaped prisoner.

"I'm sure they could handle it, after all Camelot's knights are the finest. No sorcerer shall best them. Besides, I was needed here in the castle. I cannot waste my time over one pathetic sorcerer," Arthur replies, nonchalant. Merlin can't help the small sting in his chest at being called a 'pathetic sorcerer' but he knows Arthur doesn't mean it.

"But why are you here, sire? I don't see any work you would need to do here."

"Only came to ask Gaius a few questions, though he seems to be out so I decided to wait."

Agravaine takes a few moments to answer. "Ah, then would you like me to call for him, my lord?"

"Yes, that would be much appreciated."

"Then I shall be on my way."

With those last words Merlin hears retreating steps and the door closing. He allows a few minutes to pass before letting out a breath of relief. He slowly opens the door, peeking his head out slightly. Arthur catches sight of him and smiles, gesturing to him that Agravaine is gone.

Merlin exits the room, coming down the steps slowly while sneaking cautious glances towards the door. "Do you think he knows I was here?" he asks.

Arthur shakes his head, "I'm not sure. But, Merlin, you never did explain to me why you believe Agravaine to be a traitor."

Merlin shrugs, "He was gloating over his victory over 'Emrys'. He let a few things slip that he probably shouldn't have said."

Arthur nods, still seeming skeptical, but willing to at least entertain the idea. Merlin doesn't blame him, there is no evidence. It's simply his word against Agravaine's. Honestly, he's surprised Arthur hasn't called him a liar yet. He's seen how much the man trusts his uncle and wouldn't be angered to hear that the king didn't believe him.

"As much as I trust you I can't be certain this is true unless I see evidence. And I mean solid evidence, nothing like the assumptions that my uncle made. I don't want a repeat of that again..." he trails off, not needing to mention what 'that' was. 

Merlin smiles, "I have an idea."

-----

Arthur stands atop the balcony later that day, his arms behind his back as he looks down over the crowd that has begun to gather in the courtyard. His uncle stands a short ways behind him, a smug smile that he doesn't realize the king sees on his face.

The pyre is built up high in the centre of the square, acting as a warning to all those who wish to oppose the king of Camelot that no action will be left unpunished. The people mutter amongst themselves uneasily as they flow through the gates to witness the event, wondering who had the audacity to challenge their brave leader.

The low murmurs from the audience fade away at the thudding of the drums. The foreboding sound echoes across the walls surrounding the citadel, sending a shiver down the spines of all those gathered. Heads turn as the prisoner is marched through the doors, flanked by two of Camelot's finest. The boy has his head hanging low, wrists tied with rope in front of him as he's led towards the pyre.

Arthur swallows, leaning against the railing and clenching his fists. He has to surpress the trembles that run through his body at the sight of the familiar mop of ebony hair, the pale skin, and blue eyes on the servant below. He wants to look away, to turn around and hide in his chambers till it was all over, but he knows he has to be here, watching it all till the very end.

As the boy ascends the last few steps up to the pyre he looks towards the king. The usually bright, blue eyes are dim, the light having been snuffed out by none other than the royal himself. Arthur feels his chest tighten, feels how his fists clench tighter and if it weren't for his gloves he's sure his uncle would see the paleness of his knuckles.

The torch is lit after the warlock is strapped on to the stake. His eyes are cast downwards, staring into the flames that hover close to the pyre, much too close.

Arthur clears his throat, "This man, Merlin, has been practising magic and..." he pauses for a brief moment, taking in a deep breath before continuing, "has been found to be a traitor to Camelot." A collective gasp ripples over the crowd. Taunts are spit out at the warlock tied to the stake. Jeers and shouts of anger can be heard throughout the city as the citizens of Camelot unleash their anger for how dare this man attempt to threaten their homes?

The cries cease as the king holds up his hand. The crowd growing silent almost immediately, allowing their leader to continue. "I, Arthur Pendragon, have hereby sentenced this man to death for his crimes against this kingdom. It is thanks to my uncle, Lord Agravaine, that this man was apprehended before any harm could have been done and for that he receives my most humblest of thanks."

Agravaine smiles behind him, giving a slight bow. "I only wish for the best of the kingdom, my lord. I'm sure any citizen would have done the same."

Arthur gives the man a forced smile before turning back to face the courtyard. He lifts up a hand, signalling to the guard standing by the pyre to ready the flame. Again, the king hesitates as he stares down at the boy bound to the stake who shakes and trembles in place. Merlin seems to be staring up at him, fear in his eyes as his gaze flits back and forth between the king and the torch, silently begging him to not go through with the execution.

Arthur tears his eyes away from his servant, choosing instead to scan the crowd. He finds the faces of his friends, Leon, Gwen, and Elyan to name a few, standing beside each other with faces stricken in horror at the scene before them. Gwen seems to be on the verge of tears as she gazes at Merlin from a distance, clinging onto Elyan's arm while the man whispers soothing words to her. Then there's Leon, whose back is straight and face is set in a regal expression, but Arthur has known the man for a long time now and he's able to peel away the mask. He's able to find that small hint of sorrow in his eyes as he watches.

Honestly, Arthur is surprised at the impact of Merlin's execution on his friends. They've only known the boy for a short while, perhaps only a little less than two weeks, and he's already managed to grow on them.

Arthur shuts his eyes, not wanting to look any longer. He doesn't know if he'll be able to go through with the execution if he sees Hunith or Gaius standing there in the crowd, their faces stricken with grief. He knows this will be hard on Hunith. He's seen the amount of love the mother gives to her son, sees the love that she receives back from the boy. But, this is something that must be done. For the good of the kingdom.

He lets his hand drop, prompting the guard to toss the torch within the bundles of wood gathered around the pyre. The flames spread quickly, engulfing the mass of sticks in its fiery rage.

Merlin tenses, his head swivelling about as he watches the fire leap up, and up, and up. He starts to kick with his feet, somehow hoping that would help calm the flames. As the first bits of the inferno begin to cling onto the servant's clothes and spread upwards a strangled shout is ripped from the warlock's throat. 

Arthur has to resist the urge to cover his ears, has to fight back the order to stop from coming out of his mouth when he sees the boy writhing and kicking in the flames. He sucks in a breath and keeps his face neutral for he knows that Agravaine is standing behind him, watching and observing his every move.  

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A/N - I'm very sorry guys for the delayed chapter! I promise the next one should be out soon since I have written over half of it already. 

I thank you all for your patience!!