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Arthur had noticed it almost as soon as they returned to Camelot after defeating Morgana and Morgause. The Prince always thought it was Gwen he'd have to keep an eye on where Lancelot was concerned. He wasn't blind to the connection between the two, had been envious of it, and had even considered standing aside to allow the pair to come together. Lord knew Gwen would have an easier time with Lancelot as her lover instead of the future King of Camelot. In the end, Arthurs feelings prevented him from pulling away from Gwen, and the two were happy in their secret relationship, at least until Arthur became king. And it turned out, the connection he'd been worried about between Lancelot and Gwen had dissolved into a harmless friendship. The new Knight had diverted all his attention to somebody else, namely Arthurs manservant. Merlin.
Again, Arthur was aware of Merlins friendship with Lancelot. He remembered when the Merlin had presented Lancelot to him. Back when the Knight had faked being a nobleman trying to become a Knight of Camelot. Arthur smiled fondly; even in deception, Lancelot had honourable intentions. The Prince also knew that they stayed in touch after Lancelot left; that was, after all, how Lancelot and Percival had found them in their hour of need.
Merlin and Lancelot started spending a lot of time together after Lancelot was knighted. Whenever Merlin wasn't serving Arthur or assisting Guias, he was with Lancelot. The pair would regularly walked through the lower town, courtyard, corridors, anywhere. On the training ground, Merlin would still attend to Lancelot as well as Arthur. The Prince had even discovered that Merlin had taken to looking after Lancelot's amour on top of his own. Merlin himself had started training with the knights as well, at Lancelot's request. Arthur had tried to explain to the Knight that Merlin was hopeless with a sword, but Lancelot insisted and took full charge of his servant's training. The other man was forever complimenting Merlin and asking him about his studies with Guias. Comments that made his servant beam in a way he'd never looked at Arthur. On missions, Merlin would more often than not ride alongside Lancelot, sit with him at camp and even sleep next to him at night. Arthur caught the knowing looks and secret smiles the pair shared when they thought no one was looking. The Prince also saw the dejected looks the two men sported whenever they had to separate. Usually, when Arthur needed Merlin.
But then Arthur noticed some more troubling behaviour. The pair were forever sneaking off together, becoming shifty and nervous when asked where they'd gone. He'd find them wrapped up in heated debates only to go silent when Arthur made his presence known. He saw the grave looks they shared as well as the happy smiles. They spoke in riddles only the both of them seemed to understand. Arthur saw how Lancelot constantly distracted Arthur when he questioned Merlin about certain things or covered him when the servant went missing. On the odd times Lancelot disappeared, Merlin would be as twitchy as a startled stout until the other man returned. Implying he knew where Lancelot went. On missions, they would get up in the night to have their secret conversations, and they'd disappear together in the middle of battle, often just before Arthur, and the other knights would win.
It was clear to Arthur the pair were friends and hiding something together. It made something awful curl in Arthur's stomach. Lancelot was one of the most honourable men he knew, and Merlin was Arthur's best friend (even if the Prince would never admit it), and yet they were lying to him. So many people Arthur cared about betrayed him; he desperately didn't want to add Merlin and Lancelot's names to that list. On their next hunting trip, Arthur brought his suspicions to the knights. They'd made camp for the night, and Merlin and Lancelot had gone to collect firewood together. Obviously.
"Sounds to me like their fucking," Gwaine laughed when Arthur told them of the pairs strange behaviour. The older Knight looked positively gleeful as he mocked his Prince. Eylan and Percival chuckled while Leon nearly choked on his water skin.
"Lancelot is a noble man, Gwaine. He would not use Merlin for carnal pleasure," the first Knight insisted hotly, insulted for Lancelot and eager to put down any unruly rumours. Gwaine just scoffed.
"Fine, then it sounds like their "courting", I don't see the problem, Princess," Gwaine amended with a challenging tone that Arthur chose to ignore.
"That only explains the sneaking around, nothing else. Besides, Merlin would've told me if he and Lancelot were an item," Merlin and Arthur told each other everything. Or so the Prince thought.
"They could be worried about what people will think. They are two men and a noble and servant, and you are their Prince," Eylan suggests calmly, but Arthur shakes his head again.
"I'm in no position to chastise them for a relationship that ignores class, and I've given no indication I'm against men loving men," Arthur insists. He was young once, and only squires and grooms fooled around at some point.
"But have you given any indication that you're ok with two men being together? It may not be illegal, but it's still taboo in Camelot," the Knight goes on. Arthur thinks about it, and he supposes that no, he hadn't been overwhelmingly supportive of those kinds of relationships. Simply cause it never came up. It's not as though either Merlin or Lancelot had ever come out to him. He'd be fine if they did.
"It can't be that simple!" Arthur cried because Merlin and Lancelot were hiding something, and they weren't foolish enough to hide something as mundane as a relationship.
"Why don't you ask them?" Leon asked, having grown too interested in the conversation now to stop it despite how undignified gossiping was.
"I can't do that!" Arthur barked a laugh to cover his unease. He couldn't stand to see Merlin or Lancelot lie to his face, and the Prince was certain the pair would if he put them on the spot.
"Why don't one of you ask them?" Arthur suggested. All the knights were friends with Lancelot, and it was an unspoken agreement that Merlin was one of them, too, despite being a servant, not a knight.
"Lancelot has always been private with his personal life. I doubt he'd tell me unless both he and Merlin were ready," Percival shrugged. Given the bigger Knight knew Lancelot best out of all of them, everyone took his word for it.
"And Merlins always been a riddle; you never know what's going on in his head," Gwaine added, shrugging as well. Arthur couldn't fathom how the other man could be so relaxed about his statement.
"And that doesn't bother you?" didn't it worry Gwaine that he couldn't predict what Merlin would do. Arthur was raised on strategy and taught to all plan ten steps ahead to know all the facts. About his enemies and his friends. Therefore, not being able to anticipate Merlin and Lancelot's actions was a real stress to him.
"It's Merlin! He's harmless," Gwaine laughed again, looking at Arthur as though he was mad. The Prince supposed he had a point; Merlin couldn't hurt a fly.
They heard the crunch of footsteps and the knights quickly fell back into casual conversation, if a little forced. Merlin and Lancelot seemed unaware of the tension as they sat down, the servant starting on dinner while the Knight joined in with their conversation. The night passed slowly for Arthur as he watched his friends interact with the others. The Prince pointedly ignored Gwaines glares, and when he grew frustrated with the lack of strange behaviour from Merlin and Lancelot, Arthur called it a night. The others quickly followed suit, with Eylan taking the first watch. Merlin slept next to Lancelot, but they were surprisingly close to Arthur; it was almost like the pair were mocking him. Arthur knew it couldn't be true as neither men knew the Prince was investigating them. Or he hoped not. Sleep didn't come easy that night, and even after the blonde shut his eyes, he was restless. Perhaps that's how he heard them.
It was the early hours of the morning, dawn had barely broken, and the forest was dusted in light gold as the sun began to rise. The crunch and rustle of autumn leaves woke Arthur, but years of training meant the Prince didn't move. He heard Lancelot low voice rouse Merlin, beckoning the younger man to follow him to the river. When he was confident the pair were farther enough away, he sat up to watch them leave. Before they disappeared, he shoved the other knights awake. They groaned and grunted, looking up at Arthur incredulously until the Prince pointed at the retreating figures of Merlin and Lancelot. Their faces fell in confusion, except Gwaine, who rolled his eyes and got up.
"Gwaine, where are you going?" Percival asked, also getting up.
"To put Princess's mind to rest so we can all get back to sleep," the Knight deadpanned, sending Arthur an unimpressed glare as he wrapped his cloak around himself and stalked off. Arthur and the rest of the knights hesitated for a few seconds before rushing after their companion.
It was hard to sneak through the forest as knights in the autumn light. Every leaf and branch within arm's length seemed to snap and crush as they passed by. The amour they slept in glittered in the sun, and their red capes annoyingly didn't blend in with the reds, browns and oranges of nature around them. Despite the obstacles, the group made it to the river. Gwaine went first, peeling back layers of shrubbery to peer down at the bank. The Knight snorted loudly and stepped back for the others to see with a smug look on his face. Arthur looked down and gasped. There, clear as day, was Lancelot and Merlin. Lancelot was shirtless, and Merlin was sat in the other man's lap. Kissing. They were kissing, intensely.
"Told you so," Arthur really hated Gwaine.
******
Merlin groaned softly into Lancelot's mouth as the other man kissed him. Lancelot’s skin was warm and smooth, even his chest hair was light and silky. Merlin chuckled internally, that’s what a proper bath does for you. The younger man loved to touch Lancelot, Merlin had always been tactile and getting to have this with someone. This effortless intimacy was beyond precious to the Warlock. He’d never had someone that was just his, perhaps that’s why he’d selfishly asked the Knight to keep their relationship a secret. Merlin wasn’t ready to share this with the others, with Arthur. Merlin wasn’t even sure how the Prince would react.
Merlin shook himself of the distracting thoughts and focused on the feel of Lancelot’s lips on his. Lancelot was a great kisser, Merlin didn’t have many references but he’s fairly certain he’s still right. Lancelot was the perfect gentleman, lightly leading the kiss, a delicate dance of lips and tongue with just enough dominance when he’d bite Merlins lip to make the servant swoon. Merlin moaned again, minutely rocking his hips into the other man as he deepened the kiss, holding on for dear life. Merlin liked these moments best, when they’d sneak off from patrols to be together. The forbiddeness was enticing and stoked the fire Lancelot had lit during their first night together. Merlins first night ever. His Knight had been so honoured and proud, it made Merlin smile. The morning was beautiful, golden rays kept them warm, the earth smelt alive and fresh and all around them nature was vibrate and vivid. It’s when Merlin felt most connected to his magic.
Beneath him, Lancelot groaned into his neck as he nipped at the exposed skin from where Merlins neckerchief had come undone. The Warlock shuddered, he could feel Lancelot’s excitement pressing against him making his thoughts turn filthy. He could feel the coil of heat getting tighter inside him, moving from a pleasant throb to an insisting ache that was so much harder to ignore. The Knight slid his hands underneath Merlins shirt causing the Warlock to freeze. Lancelot must of felt it as he retracted his hands, instead resting them on his clothed hips. Merlin heard the quiet sigh and instantly felt terrible. He knew what his love wanted.
"I want to see you," Lancelot whispered, careful not to break the tranquil peace surrounding them. Big brown eyes looking up an Merlin pleadingly. Not for the Warlock to take his shirt off, no Lancelot didn’t truly care about that, he just wanted to understand.
Merlin had never let Lancelot see him naked, when they’d had sex it was always under the cover of night with no candles. The initial excuse Merlin had given was that he was insecure about the scars he gained while protecting Arthur. Which is half true, he was insecure about something, just not the scars. However, that lie wouldn’t work anymore. Lancelot had felt all his scars during the nights they'd spent together, had even mapped them with his tongue. And, truthfully, Merlin knew the Knight would never judge him for having scars, not when he bore so many himself. The Warlock knew that, but that was exactly the problem, wasn't it. Merlin wasn't just a Warlock. There was more to him than even Lancelot knew, and while he trusted his lover, Merlin couldn't help the fear that revealing his final secret might push his Knight to his breaking point.
"You might not like what you see," Merlin sighed, looking away. He hated lying, hated that it was an integral part of his life. But he hated the thought of losing Lancelot even more, no matter how irrational it was.
"I know I will," Lancelot gently turned Merlin's face towards his, adoration shining in his eyes as he pulled the other man into a soft kiss. It felt like a promise, like a seal binding their hearts together.
"Please tell me what's wrong, my Love," he asks again, rubbing their hands together soothingly. Merlin enjoyed the warmth they offered but still pulled away.
"Promise you won't think less of me," Merlin asked uncertainly.
"At this point, I could only think more of you," Merlin just has to trust Lancelot's word. It was easy really.
Merlin untangled himself from where he was sitting on the Knights lap and moved closer to the river bank. The sunlight cast thousands of tiny diamonds over the waters surface that reflected on Merlin's pale skin. Focusing on his feet, the Warlock slowly pulled his shirt up and over his head revealing his tormented torso. Lancelot swore quietly, swiftly getting up to Join Merlin, glaring at the offending scars.
"I'll kill whoever did this to you," he promised. Merlin had never heard him so angry, never seen his lovers eyes so filled with hate. He quickly took Lancelot's hands again, his turn to be soothing.
"Most of them are already dead," Merlin isn't proud of the lives he's taken, but's he'd not apologetic for defending himself either. Most people that fight him, tend to get in a good few hits, but Merlin's the one that always walks away alive. The Warlock feels it's a good deal. He turns around for Lancelot to inspect my back.
"I know what this is...but not these," Lancelot says, first tracing the Seekret scar before his hand moves to the inky lines swirling over Merlin's upper back. They look similar to a Druids symbol.
"Watch," he orders, stepping away again. It's easier to show these, rather than explain them.
Merlin feels his magic run through him like water, a raving river breaking off into streams as it covers him, washes away the glamour he hides behind. His back twitches, it feels as though a thousand ants are crawling over him, it's strangely ticklish. He hears Lancelot's gasp when his wings finally emerge from his back, the ink on his back peeling from his body like art come to life. He had four butterfly like, but Merlin's wings are longer, sharper and translucent. Except for when the sun hits just right and kalidiscope of colours rains over them. The rest of his glamour falls away easily, his eyes glow their fiery gold, nails and fangs sharpen ever so slightly, his face becomes more angular and the trademark Fae ears appear. If Arthur thought his regular ears were big, gods only knew what he'd think of the pointed ones he sported now. Realising that Lancelot still hadn't said anything, Merlin released the breath he'd been holding in a long sigh. Better to get this over with he thinks. He turns back around expecting to see all manner of things, shock, betrayal, disgust and anger. Shock is defiantly present but the overwhelming emotion is awe. Lancelot is in awe of Merlin, looking at like he's one of the earth's great wonders.
"You're a fairy," he asks, unable to pull his eyes away from Merlin wings. Merlin himself, smirks and thrusts his hands out. Roots burst from the ground like snakes, they wrap around Lancelot's legs and swiftly knock to the ground. On the floor, more roots erupt from the ground, twisting around the Knights arms and torso until Lancelot can't move an inch. For a man currently tied to the earth by possessed vines, Lancelot doesn't look the slightest bit worried, and it warms something in Merlin that the Knight trusts him so completely not to hurt him. Lancelot instead examines his living bonds in wonder. Testing the strength of the roots, firm enough not to budge when the Knight pulls on them but they don't bite into his skin. That was Merlin's design. The roots begin to sprout, leaves and flower decorating them, Lancelot laughs delightedly as the leaves tickle his face. Merlin laughs too.
"We prefer the term "Fae," Merlin finally says with a mischievous grin, fitting to his species. He lets Lancelot up, the roots vanishing back underground.
"Noted. Is this how you're supposed to look," Lancelot laughs fondly as he dusts himself off. He stands in front of Merlin, warm palm cradling the Warlocks angular face. Merlin nods, slightly self-conscious from all of Arthurs teasing over his looks.
"Beautiful," Lancelot whispers reverently, drawing Merlin in for a soft kiss The Fae feels the others hands skim down his bare shoulder, his fingers lightly tracing the line where Merlin's wings meet his back. His body shudders in pleasure, the area sensitive and touch starved. Lancelot smirks dangerous, and Merlin knows he's banked the information for later.
"I don't know much about "mythical" creatures but aren't their sections of Fae? Which do you fall into, earth?" the Knight asks, stepping back to look at the holes in the ground left by the roots. Merlin smiles at his loves interest and shakes his head.
"All Fae have elemental powers; some are just stronger than others. I'm from the Spring Court," he explains, Lancelot seems to perk up.
"They're the good ones, right?" he asks, pleased with whatever information he's remembered. Merlin sighs, knowledge of his kind is sparse and is largely populated by myth and the perspective of men who like to make things simpler than they actually are. Therefore, he doesn't blame Lancelot for his vague question or belief.
"From a mortals perspective, yes, along with the Summer Court, we are considered the good guys," he answers, he'll go into the complex politics of the course another time.
"Must be the worst time of the year for you then," Lancelot asks, starting to look worried.
"Let's just say I'm glad we faced Morgana at the start of summer. I wouldn't be of much help to Camelot right now," Merlin laughs, it's not that he can't function in Autumn or Winter, he's just a little slower. He sits back down by the river and Lance joins him.
"Why'd you come to Camelot? I assume the story about studying under Guias was a cover," Merlin nodded, rolling his eyes at Lancelot's smug expression. HIs love was perspective, that's how he'd found out about Merlin.
"The Seelie Court initially sent me as a diplomatic envoy for the Fea Courts, but when they learned of my joined destiny Arthur, I was named his Guardian," he explains, there's more to it than that, but again it was a lot to get into they didn't have much time. Lancelot scoffs, looking away froths for the first time. He's stile smiling but it's tight.
"Don't start," Merlin sighs, this had become a common point of contention between the two of them.
"I'm not starting anything; I know I have to share you with Arthur. Doesn't mean I have to like it," Merlin would never have guessed Lancelot had possessive streak until the knight realised how much time Merlin actually spent with Arthur outside of his duties. Lancelot understood Merlins destiny with Arthur, respected his devotion to the Prince and was fine with their friendship, he just wished Merlins time could be sent more evenly so if he'd tried to steal Merlin away between chores...who could blame him. Not Merlin. They sit in silence for a while, Lancelot seeming to mull over the new information before frowning.
"Arthurs not fond of deception or misleading, you know," he says meaningly, Merlin, predictably rolls his eyes.
"And by that you mean, faking my identity wasn't the best way to establish long-lasting trust. I know. But I felt I had a better chance completing my mission as a friendly serving boy rather than a mythical creature found in the woods that he'd likely shoot on sight," Merlin explains sarcastically, tossing a stone, rather aggressively, into the river. His body sags with the plop of the water.
"I never meant to leave it so long to tell him; it just never felt like the right time. I have no clue how to tell him now," he admits quietly, he'd known Arthur for years now, how could he confess to years of lies on top of being a creature of magic. And Uther was still alive, Merlin couldn't possibly ask the Prince to choose between him and his fathers beliefs.
"Whatever you decide, and whatever happens, I'll be here for you," Lancelot promises earnestly, taking Merlins hands gently between his own, keeping them connected. Merlin smiled his little secret smile, the one for when he was truly happy. He kissed his Knight, feeling the softness of the others lips against his own. The Fae moaned as Lancelot traced his wings again, making heat stir in his stomach. Merlin pulls back, smiling up from under his lashes,
"You know, Fae from the Spring Court are known for being seductive and excellent lovers," he lets his hand splay out over Lancelot chest, feeling the warmth of bis skin and steady beat of his heart. He pushes the Knight down, who smirks up at him, amused and intrigued.
"Oh really," they meet in another kiss, their bodies sliding together like two pieces of the same jigsaw puzzle. Merlin's wings extend above them, catching the the sunlight and casting the lovers in gold as they fall into each others embrace.
******
"It seems we were both right," Gwaine is the first to speak, shock making the Knights usually confident voice sound hesitant. He had not expected to see any of that when he decided to prove to the Princess that Merlin and Lancelot were just fucking, not hiding some huge secret. How wrong could, yet right, could one man be. Oh God, what would Arthur be thinking. He turned to look at the Prince, but Arthur's face looked to be carved of stone. Unmoving and unfeeling.
"We're leaving," Arthur suddenly says, swiftly turning on his heels and stalking back through the forest towards their camp. He hears all his knights, well almost all his knights chase after him.
"Wait, what?! Arthur, stop; what are you going to do?" Gwaine questioned him, keeping pace with him. Arthur vowed not to look at any of them and he certainly wasn't going to look back. He still hadn't be able to process what he'd seen the first time.
"Nothing, the same the rest of you," he states firmly. They couldn't do anything in the forest and Arthur knew for a fact he couldn't do anything rational concerning the situation for a while.
Merlin had magic. He was a magical creature, a Fae. Merlin had lied to him all these years. Lancelot had known and not told him. He and Merlin were together and neither of them had trusted him enough to tell him. They were traitors. Arthur sighed, it was more complicated than that.
Merlin had been sent as political envoy, which likely meant the Fae wanted peace with Camelot. You only send a messenger when you want war. Merlin had been named Arthur's protector. Merlin gave up his home and family to protect him. How many of Arthur's victories been too good to be true, how many times had the Prince felt like he'd had outside help. Merlin had wanted to tell him. Lancelot had been protecting Merlin. Arthur hadn't given either men a reason to think their secrets would be safe with him. Arthur was hurt, but he knew it wasn't as simple as that.
"We didn't see or hear any of that. It never happened, and none of us are going to speak about it," he ordered his Knights, sitting back down at the camp site.
"What, Princess, we can't just ignore that. I know you're angry, but..." Gwaine tried to reason, but Arthur just wanted him to shut up.
"I'm furious, which is why I don't want to think about it because I'm afraid of what I might do. So we keep an eye on them, but otherwise, we give no impression we know their secrets. Understood," the other Knights nod, looking uncertain but agreeing. They all sit down, except Gwaine.
"Sir Gwaine?" he questions tersely.
"Are Merlin and Lancelot in danger?" the Knight asks, equally dangerously. Arthur knows Gwaines loyalty is actually to Merlin first, Like Lancelot, the pair had been friends before the others knighthood. Arthur knows Gwaine won't see Melrin, it stings to think the Knight doesn't know Arthur wouldn't have it either.
"The worst I'll punish them with is banishment, and I'm still undecided. I just want to do nothing for now," he explains, tiredly, almost pleading with his Knight to just drop it. And thankfully he does. Gwaine smiles lightly and drops down as well. They all role over, but everyone knows that none of them will fall back asleep. If Arthur really concentrates, he's sure he can hear Merlin and Lancelot together, bathed in the bliss of ignorance.
*****
An hour or so later, when Merlin and Lancelot and sneaked back to camp and everyone had pretended to get up, it was awkward. Arthur barely spoke except to issue orders and the rest of the found themselves staring at the happy couple every chance they got. Merlin looked like Merlin again, and everyone seemed to be trying to spot the tale-tale glint it magic rippling over his skin. They couldn’t see anything. Thankfully, Merlin and Lancelot seemed too cheery to notice their company’s odd mood.
The ride back to Camelot is better, the a knights falling into their usual banter, Merlin teasing them all and Arthur even managed to force a smile. So of course they were attacked by bandits, except this time it was different. This time the Knights saw what Merlin actually did when they thought he was hiding. Arthur saw the flash of gold in his eye and corresponding branch fall from the sky. He swore the saddles of the enemy snap, he saw their weapons flying out their hands. Arthur saw it all and so did the others. They also saw how Lancelot flanked Merlin, allowing the Warlock space to work. When the enemy was defeated, Arthur made sure to scold Merlin for hiding like he normally, despite the way it felt like his world had cracked. He saw the way Merlin and Lancelot rolled their eyes at him. And they carried on to Camelot.
In the next month, Arthur see's so many examples of Merlins magic, he wonders how he could've been so blind to it in the first place. From his chores, to pranking the knives, to silly tricks to make unassuming children laugh, it was astonishing the his servant was still alive. And that's not talking about Merlin's complete lack self-preservation in a fight. Arthur wonders how many times Merlin had saved his life since the other man had come to Camelot. Cause Arthur had counted twenty in just the last month. It soured something in Arthur, feeling as though none of his accomplishments had been his own, but the result of secret sorcery. Arthur did his best to not think like that, because every example of Merlin's powers stirred something else in the Prince. Trust. The idea of Merlin being evil had never sat right with Arthur, even when his servant had sprouted wings before his eyes, but seeing continued proof that Merlin only ever used his magic for good...or fun settled it for Arthur. Merlin wasn't evil, and if this creature of magic wasn't evil that surely not all magic could be evil as well. Merlin was still Merlin, loyal to a fault and a bit of an idiot. But he had Lancelot to keep him out of trouble, as Arthur had also seen a lot of that as well, and he was glad.
By the end of the month, Merlin and Lancelot come forth about their relationship. Everyone had seen it coming, rumours of the two's involvement had spread through the castle a week or so before. Arthur had confronted Gwaine about it, knowing the Knight couldn't keep his mouth shut when drunk but Gwaine swore he'd not said a word. In the end, it was the pairs own fault, they looked at each other as if the other hung the stars. Of course people noticed. Clearly, their relationship had grown stronger since Merlin revealed his true nature, and Lancelot had accepted it, and it was obvious for the world to see. That said, everyone acted shocked when the pair came forward. It was in the armoury after training, Merlin was helping Lancelot out of his chainmail having already seen to the Arthur, apparently trying to gear each other up for their confession. All the Knights were pleased for them, and so was Arthur. Remembering what Eylan had said, he made sure the couple knew they had his blessing and saw them no different than he had before. He even gave Merlin the rest of the day off.
Arthur had hoped with one secret out of the way, the couple would come forward with their other secret, but they didn't. Apart him was pleased, wanting to speak with Merlin alone first when the truth came out. Arthur half expected the Fae to come to his quarters in the next few days to confess, but Melrin never came. Sadly, Arthur realised he wasn't going to, not while his father lived and the ban on magic held. It was a tough pill to swallow, to not be trusted with his friends life, the way he trusted his with Merlin but like before, he couldn't blame his servant. Arthur made a silent vow to himself to lift the ban the he became king and name Merlin one of his advisors, hopefully he'd get to promote the man to Court Sorcerer as well.
Until then, Arthur was at peace with trusting his Best Knight and Fae Guardian from afar.