Fic: Death Cannot Stop True Love - Part 7
Feb. 20th, 2013 12:52 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
geeklover80Part 6
Merlin crouched atop the hill, hidden amongst the trees. He had a clear view of where Uther and his men would be riding. He prepared the arrow and extended the string back as far as it would go, testing it. Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind. He struggled with his attacker. “Get your hands off me!”
“Merlin!”
Merlin turned around, still struggling with the man. “Who are you? What are you doing?”
The blonde man looked at him with wide, stunned eyes. “Merlin, it’s me. It’s Arthur!”
“I don’t know any Arthur!” Merlin pushed the man backwards. “You’re not going to save the king. I will kill him!”
The man, Arthur, shook his head. “You can’t! This isn’t you, Merlin. I don’t know what Morgana has done to you. But this isn’t you.”
“This is exactly who I am and what I was born to do.”
“No!” The man rushed forward.
Merlin swung back as hard as he could and knocked the man out with one punch. “Stupid prat!”
Merlin turned around and grabbed the bow and arrow and set up once again. Uther should be there in any minute.
~*~
Uther was within his sights. His men rode just ahead of him. Just a few more feet and Merlin would have a better shot at him. He extended the string back and when he saw Uther, he took aim
Suddenly Arthur leaped forward and was pierced with the arrow. He fell and rolled a few feet down the hill.
Merlin screamed. He ran forward. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Why would you do that?”
Arthur groaned as he sat up. The arrow went clean through his shoulder. “I thought you would appreciate action more than words.”
“You’re crazy.”
Arthur nodded. “Well I’m in love with you, so that’s probably the same thing.”
Merlin ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t remember you!”
“I don’t care. I remember you. I love you, Merlin!” Arthur’s blue eyes searched his face. “The only thing that I care about is that you don’t forget who you really are.” Arthur strained to reach Merlin.
Merlin knew he should punch the man again. He had a mission. He could still catch up to Uther. But there was something about the way the man was looking at him that made the thought of leaving hurt.
Arthur grabbed his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “I would rather die than let your heart fill with darkness. I need you to always be you.”
Merlin felt wetness on his cheek. He swiped at it and realized he was crying. “You would die for me?”
“I would die for you a million times over.”
“No one’s ever been willing to die for me.”
Arthur sighed. “No one you can remember.” He groaned and fell to the ground.
“No!” Merlin kneeled over him. Images of this man were starting to flash before him. He grabbed the man’s face and really looked at him. He knew this man. Deep in his bones, he knew who he was. This was Arthur. This man filled his heart. How could he ever forget him? He took Arthur’s face in his hands. “Please don’t leave me, Arthur.” He leaned down and softly pressed his lips to Arthur’s.
He pulled back. Arthur’s eyes flew open. “Merlin,” he gasped.
Merlin beamed at him. “Arthur!” He wraps his arms around Arthur, practically squeezing the life out of him.
“Merlin, I can’t breathe.” Arthur wheezes.
“Sorry.” Merlin pulls back. He strokes Arthur’s cheek. “I am so sorry for everything. I’m sorry I lied. I do love you, Arthur. I love you so much!”
Arthur smiles softly at him. He uses two fingers to tilt Merlin’s chin up. “I love you.”
Merlin went to kiss Arthur again but heard crunching on the ground. He looked over and saw several of Uther’s men coming for them. Merlin spins around to Arthur. He grabs Arthur’s arm and lifts him up. Arthur groans. Merlin winces in sympathy. “Sorry.”
They try to run off, but they are outnumbered and Arthur’s injury makes it impossible. One short guard with a big nose and angry glare grabs Merlin and slams him against a tree. Two guards grab Arthur and hold him back. A fourth guard appears and rips the arrow from Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur howls in pain.
“Leave him alone!” Merlin shouts.’
The short, angry guard backhands Merlin.
“If you touch him again, I will kill you!” Arthur growls.
The short guard turns to Merlin. “Should we kill him?”
The fourth guard sneers at Arthur but shakes his head. “The Lady Morgana wants them both alive.”
“Morgana!” Arthur screeches.
The fourth guard looks at both Merlin and Arthur. “She didn’t say they had to be conscious.”
The short, angry guard grins. Merlin looks at Arthur and nods wanting to let Arthur know that everything would be ok. Arthur’s answering nod is the last thing he sees before he loses consciousness.
~*~
Arthur is dragged into the throne room and thrown roughly to the floor. He is shocked to look over and see his father next to him, similarly bound in shackles. Turning to the front of the room, Arthur is shocked to see Morgana sitting atop the throne, smiling smugly down on them.
“Surprised?” She directs her question to Arthur.
Arthur looks up at her in confusion. “Morgana, what are you doing?” he looks around and glowers at her. “Where is Merlin?”
“Don’t worry about your beloved. I still have important plans for him.”
“Why are you doing this?!” Arthur cries
Morgana shrugs. “I’m just taking what’s rightfully mine.”
Arthur’s brows knit together and he shakes his head. “Rightfully yours?”
“That’s right. After all I am a Pendragon. Isn’t that right, Uther?” Morgana glares at him. “Or should I say, Father?”
Uther’s mouth hangs open slightly. His eyes are bulging and he’s panting.
Arthur looks over at his father. “Father? What is she talking about?”
Morgana stands up. “Just one of the many lies that our father has told.”
“Morgana,” Uther finally speaks. “I have treated you like a daughter for years. But that does not make it true. You have no right to the throne.”
“I have every right!” Morgana screams. She shakes her head. “Even now, caught in your lies you can’t admit the truth! I guess I’ll have to help you. It was many years ago. I was playing with Arthur. I decided to hide under your bed. Imagine my surprise when Gaius and our dear Father come in and start to talk about how I’m Uther’s daughter. But, oh, he can’t claim me because it would be a threat to his precious Arthur’s position on the throne.” Morgana steps down and walks towards Uther and Arthur. She looks down at Uther. “Deny it. I dare you.”
Arthur scrutinises his father and instantly knows that every word is true. His face scrunches in disgust. “How could you do this?”
Uther takes in several deep breaths. “I had to protect you.”
Morgana snorts. “The way you had to protect everyone from magic?”
“Magic is evil. It almost destroyed Camelot.” Uther snarls.
“No, that would be you dear Father.” Morgana kneels down, staring Uther directly in the eyes. “Would it surprise you to know that magic has been lurking inside these very walls for years?”
Uther narrows his eyes.
“I have magic,” Morgana whispers.
Uther’s eyes bulge so far they practically fall from their sockets.
Morgana smiles broadly. “That’s right. I cannot even begin to describe how much I hate you. You have persecuted my kind for years for your mistakes.” She turns to Arthur. “Do you want to really know why your mother died?”
Arthur feels like he’s been punched in the stomach. “I know why,” he says softly.
Morgana grimaces, shaking her head slowly. “You know what Uther has told you. You see Uther almost told the truth with regards to your birth and your mother’s death, except he left out one important detail. Nimueh, the high priestess who is responsible for bringing you to this world, did warn Uther that your mother would die. Uther wanted an heir so badly he didn’t care who died.
“That is a lie!” Uther roared.
Arthur looked at Uther with tears brimming in his eyes. “Then tell me the truth, Father. For once, tell me the whole truth.”
Uther swallows thickly, looking down at the ground. He doesn’t look at Arthur when he begins to speak. “Nimueh did tell me that to create life, a life would be sacrificed.” He gazes up at Arthur. “But I assumed it would be mine.”
“You assumed?” Arthur growled. “You killed her.”
Uther shook his head, his face crumpling.
“Yes!” Arthur inhaled sharply. “And then you annihilated an entire race of people to cover up for your cowardice.” Arthur bit his lip. “I’ve never been more ashamed to be your son.”
Morgana smirked. “Now, you’re seeing what I have for all these years.”
Arthur jerked his head to look at her. “Shut up! You’re no better than him.” Morgana’s eyes narrowed. “I have done nothing but love you and you have plotted against me for years.”
Morgana stood up and walked toward Arthur. “You are the one who are just like Uther. You’re arrogant and spoiled. You are not entitled to the crown. It is mine! Everything here is mine. I will not let you stand in the way of that.”
“Do you think killing us is going to endear you to the citizens of Camelot?” Arthur argued.
Morgana shrugged. “Perhaps not. But they’ll learn to adjust. I already have the guards on my side. Your knights probably can’t be convinced. They’ll have to go.” She smiled. “But first things first.” She gestured to one of the guards at the back of the room. “We have to get rid of the king.”
“No!” Arthur screamed.
“Arthur, you know he’s evil. He needs to be punished.”
“Not like this. Please don’t do this. Whatever he’s done, he’s still our father. Please, Morgana. If you ever loved me, don’t do this.”
The guard came over to stand beside Morgana. She looked over at it. She gulped as she peered down at Arthur.
Arthur thought he saw the sister that he grew up with when he looked in her eyes. She closed her eyes and when she opened them, all he saw was the dead look in her eyes.
She gestured to the guard. He unsheathed his sword.
“Morgana, don’t! If you do this, you’re just like him. You have a choice to make. You can be better.”
Morgana sneered. “I already am.” She nodded her head at the guard.
Arthur looked over to Uther.
Uther was staring at him calmly. He smiled thinly. “All I’ve done is for you. I love you, Arthur.”
The guard stabbed his sword into Uther’s gut.
“NOOOOOO!” Arthur bellowed.
Arthur could see the life leaving Uther, until the only thing staring at him were dead eyes. Uther fell over.
Arthur looked away, staring at the ground, and weeping openly.
~*~
Merlin was frantic with worry. One of Uther’s or rather, Morgana’s guards had come to take him from Morgana’s room and had him waiting. He heard Arthur’s scream of agony and struggled against the guard, but it was no use. He knew that Arthur wasn’t dead though. He would feel it if he was.
“Bring him in!” He heard Morgana cry.
The guard pulled him roughly and opened the door, dragging Merlin into the room.
The first thing Merlin could hear was Arthur’s harsh sobs. There was a body lying on the ground beside him. He suspected that it was Uther. When Arthur turned to look at him, his eyes filled with despair, he knew he was right.
Merlin refused to cower in fear in front of Morgana. “If you’re going to kill me, just do it quick.”
Arthur whirled around to look at Morgana. “Please, don’t,” he cried hoarsely.
“I was considering killing Arthur.”
Merlin began to shake.
“Is that alright with you, Merlin?” Morgana simpered. She gestured to her guard. He walked over to Arthur, sword drawn.
“I will do whatever you want if you don’t hurt him.” Merlin pleaded, his voice wavering.
Morgana clapped her hands together. “That’s the spirit!” She walked over to Arthur. “I would let you say good-bye. But I think a clean break is best.” She strode away from him. “Merlin, you and I are going to take a little trip.”
Arthur tried to lunge for her but fell face forward. He looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, don’t go with her! Don’t do this!”
Merlin lips trembled. “I’m sorry.”
Morgana gestured to her guard to take him away. He twisted his head around to look at Arthur until he couldn’t see him any longer.
~*~
Arthur was being dragged to the dungeons. He was too shell-shocked to put up much of a fight. His father was dead. If he could manage to defeat Morgana, he would now be king. And he had to defeat Morgana and soon. He didn’t know how he could go on if Morgana killed Merlin. The thought of Merlin spurred him to action. He collapsed on his knees.
The two guards jostled him. “Get up! On your feet!”
Arthur took the opportunity with one guard hunched over to punch him in the stomach. The other guard wrapped his arms around him, lifting Arthur off the ground. He kicked the first guard in the stomach and used his body to push the guard wrapped around him, backwards into the wall. He elbowed that guard in the face. The first guard had his sword drawn. Arthur grabbed his hand, elbowed him in the face, and then smashed his hand down on his knee, to get him to drop the sword. He threw his arms around the guard’s neck and choked him with the shackles chain, then smashed his head against the wall.
Arthur crouched down and grabbed the keys to his shackles. He removed the shackles as he ran around the corner and smashed into someone. He jumped up, ready to fight, but gasped in surprise when he saw Leon standing before him. He didn’t have a chance to smile in greeting. Leon pushed him against the wall and pierced a guard behind Arthur in the chest.
“I have never been happier to see you, Huntsman.”
Leon grimaced. “Sire, you know I hate when you call me that.”
Arthur shrugged. “Sorry.” He looked at Leon quizzically. “How did you manage to subdue all those men?”
Leon grinned. “Morgana should have planned her attack better. I guess she didn’t realize tonight was a full moon.”
Arthur heard men screaming and a wolf howling.
“Uh huh.” Arthur nodded. He turned serious as he looked at Leon. “We have to find Merlin.”
~*~
Morgana transported Merlin and herself to the Isle of the Blessed. Merlin had never traveled by magic before and fell to the ground.
Morgana looked around and smiled. “This is said to be the center of the old religion. All of its power is focused here.” She gazed at Merlin. “It’s very beautiful. I thought this would be a good spot for your final resting place. No one will ever find you here.”
“Why do you want to kill me, Morgana?” Merlin whispered. He was too exhausted to yell.
“I tried to spare your life, Merlin. I arranged for Arthur to get engaged to Elena, and you would be so heartbroken that you left and never returned. But you and Arthur just had to fight for each other.”
Merlin stood up and glared at Morgana. “That’s what love looks like.”
Morgana rolled her eyes. “This is for the best anyway. I can’t have you being Arthur’s protector.”
“We both have magic. We should be fighting together. We can still do that.”
Morgana scoffed. “It’s too late. Don’t try appealing to my good side.”
“I can see there’s nothing good about you, Morgana. Whatever good that was there is gone. You made your choices.”
“And now you will have to make yours.” Morgana conjured up an apple. “You like apples, don’t you?”
Merlin didn’t answer, just looked at his feet.
“I’ve always liked apples,” Morgana continued. “There’s something about them that’s so pure. Apples are supposed to stand for health and wisdom.”
Merlin glanced at the apple. “Why do I have the feeling that one might kill me?”
“It won’t kill you. What it will do is far worse. Your body will be your tomb. You’ll be trapped, with dreams formed of your own regrets.” Morgana explained.
“And you’re going to force me to eat it.”
Morgana chuckled. “No. It wouldn’t work that way. Your choice. It has to be taken willingly.”
Merlin sighed. “And why would I do that?”
“Because if you don’t the love of your life will be killed.”
Merlin’s lips trembled. “No.”
Morgana shrugged. “As I said the choice is yours.”
Merlin peered at the apple again and then back at Morgana. “I don’t think I can trust you. How do I know if I take that apple, that Arthur will live?”
“You’re just going to have to trust me. Can you live with yourself if you take a chance and Arthur dies?” Morgana thrust the apple at Merlin. “Do we have a deal or not?”
Merlin took the apple with a shaky hand. “Congratulations. You’ve won.” Merlin took a large bite of the red apple. Tears streamed down his face.
Morgana watched him intently, practically nose to nose with him.
Merlin grunted. He felt like his soul was being sucked from his body, little by little. He gasped one last time and fell to the ground, the apple rolling out of his outstretched hand.
~*~
Arthur clutched at his chest. He almost fell off his horse he was in so much pain. Something terrible was wrong. Merlin had burrowed his way so deep in to his heart and soul, that Arthur sometimes felt that he was physically connected to Merlin. But suddenly, that connection was gone. There was just an empty feeling. He climbed off his horse shakily.
He had no idea where Merlin could be. He had no idea where Morgana would take him. He had just started riding blindly towards Merlin’s old cave. Arthur thought it possible that Morgana could be receiving assistance from Cenred.
Right now the only thing he could feel was pain. Merlin couldn’t be gone. He wouldn’t allow it. He fell to his knees and threw his head back, screaming at the sky. “Please somebody help me! Merlin! Somebody!” No answer was forthcoming. He hung his head, fisting his hair painfully.
All of a sudden, he heard a familiar sound. There was the distinct sound of large wings flapping. He looked up overhead and could see something flying down at him at a rapid pace. Was that…?
The great dragon landed with a thud on the ground. Arthur could feel the vibrations under his feet. He gaped up at the large creature. The dragon bowed his head.
“Get on.”
Arthur’s eyes widened almost comically. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
“Arthur, there is no time to waste. If we do not get to the young warlock in time, then your destiny will never be fulfilled.”
Arthur stared for a second longer then rushed over to the dragon. He had to climb up Kilgarrah’s bowed head. Arthur had a hell of a time getting solid footing on the dragon’s scaly skin. But he finally managed to sit atop the dragon’s back.
As the dragon soared up into the sky, Arthur held on for dear life. They had to get to Merlin in time, they just had to.
~*~
They landed on what Kilgarrah called the Isle of the Blessed. Arthur didn’t care how far up he was, the minute Kilgarrah landed he jumped off his back. He landed hard on his side. He rolled over and his blood ran cold when he saw Merlin lying motionless.
Arthur scrambled up and ran to Merlin. He dropped to his knees. He scooped an arm under Merlin’s neck and cradled Merlin’s head in his lap. “Merlin?” he called weakly.
He shook Merlin gently. “Merlin!” he said a little louder this time. He stroked Merlin’s cheek. Merlin’s eyelids didn’t flutter. He didn’t open his gorgeous blue eyes and mockingly call him a prat. There was no response. Arthur sunk his face under Merlin’s chin. Tears spilled onto Merlin’s neck.
“Young Pendragon!” Kilgarrah yelled. “Arthur Pendragon!”
Arthur looked up slowly.
“All is not lost. True love’s kiss can break any curse.”
Arthur gazed down at Merlin, hope beginning to well in his chest. He stood up carefully, cradling Merlin in his arms. He walked over to a rectangular pillar in the middle of the ground. He stared at Merlin’s beautiful face. “I swear Merlin if this doesn’t work I’m going to chase to the other side just to throttle you.”
Arthur took a deep breath and leaned over, planting his lips gently, but firm against Merlin’s.
There was some kind of shift around them. Arthur continued to kiss Merlin. He pulled back and Merlin gasped awake.
Arthur laughed through his tears. He almost gasped when Merlin’s eyes flew open and his eyes shimmered like gold. But he was too happy to focus on that.
“You found me,” Merlin beamed.
“I’ll always find you,” Arthur cried.
Merlin sat up and took Arthur’s face between his hands, kissing him soundly. Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin, deepening the kiss. He never wanted to let Merlin go. He devoured Merlin’s lips, every so often pulling back to pull Merlin’s lower lip between his teeth. Merlin smiled into the kiss.
They regretfully had to pull back when they heard someone clearing his throat behind them. Merlin smiled sheepishly when he saw the dragon. Arthur helped Merlin down from the pillar. They walked hand in hand over to the dragon.
“It’s good to see you, Emrys. Everything is as it should be.”
Merlin shook his head. “Why did you call me, Emrys?”
“That is your name in many circles. You have been unaware for too long of your true nature. Your powers have been restored to you and you and Arthur can fulfill your destinies.”
Merlin looked down at his hands. He looked at Arthur. "I do feel different. It's like something's tingling just beneath my skin."
Arthur looked up at Kilgarrah. "What kind of powers are you talking about?"
"You'll discover that yourselves." Kilgarrah laughed. "The power is instinctive, Emrys. Just let yourself feel it."
Merlin nodded.
Arthur sighed. "We have to get back to Camelot. I have to deal with Morgana."
Merlin squeezed his hand. "We will take care of her. Together."
Arthur smiled and lifted up their joined hands. He kissed the back of Merlin's hand.
Kilgarrah sighed. "I do not excuse the witch's actions, but Morgana had her own destiny that was hard for her to escape."
Arthur bit his lip. "Do you mean she had no choice?" Arthur looked somewhat hopeful. He truly hated Morgana for what she'd done. But he couldn't erase how much he had loved her, either.
"There were alternate choices she could have made..."
"Then she can face the consequences." Arthur interrupted.
Kilgarrah simply nodded.
Arthur turned to Merlin and grinned slightly. "Are you ready to ride a dragon?"
Merlin's eyebrows raised skyward.
~*~
Morgana stared into her mirror, her chin on top of her hands.
"Uther's finally dead. Are you happy?" The mirror asked.
Morgana grimaced. "It's too early to tell."
The mirror chuckled. "You know I can't lie to you, Morgana. I see no happiness in your future."
Morgana sneered. "I have half a mind to smash you to pieces."
"You may need my help when Emrys arrives."
Morgana stood up so hard her chair fell backwards. "Emrys!" Morgana started to breathe heavily. "When?"
Morgana heard a loud commotion as something exploded down below.
The mirror laughed. "Guess."
~*~
Merlin didn't know what to expect when they arrived at the castle. Arthur had told him that Leon and Gwen had stayed behind to take care of the rest of the guards. It was possible that Morgana wasn't even at the castle. He just hoped Leon and Gwen were okay.
They got to the castle door and Arthur looked at him expectantly. "Do you think you're ready to try out your powers?"
Merlin shrugged. "I have to try sometime." He held up his hand and he felt something pass through him and the castle doors exploded.
Arthur threw his arm around Merlin shielding him from the debris. They looked over at where the doors used to be.
They exchanged a look and then burst into laughter.
Merlin looked at his hand and then up at Arthur. "This might be fun."
Arthur nodded.
They ran inside. Morgana was rushing down the stairs as they stepped into the foyer. She goggled at Merlin. "What are you doing here?"
Merlin glared at her. "Arthur saved me."
Morgana rolled her eyes. "Of course he did." She came to stand in front of them. Her held was held high and she seemed overly confident.
"Did you come back to save your friends?" she laughed. "They put forth a valiant effort, Leon and his pet wolf. But they were no match for me. And you won't be either."
"I wouldn't be so sure, Morgana." Arthur declared.
"I have magic and you don't."
"But I do." Merlin stared at Morgana, blasting her backwards. She landed through the now non-existent doors.
Morgana stumbled to her feet. "H-how did you do that?"
Arthur smiled grimly. "Meet Emrys."
Morgana's eyes widened. "You're Emrys?!"
Merlin stepped forward. "Yes. Apparently, I was born with magic. And if it wasn't for you and your curse I probably never would have gotten my powers back."
Morgana fumed. She looked at Arthur. "Are you going to kill me?"
Arthur walked over to stand directly in front of her. "I'm not like you or our father. But you will pay for killing him."
Morgana just glared at him.
"I really did love you," Arthur whispered.
Morgana sucked in a breath. "I loved you once, too."
Arthur stepped back and Merlin stood in front of Morgana now. Kilgarrah had given him a spell to bind Morgana's powers, at least temporarily. Merlin started to recite the incantation, when Morgana began to laugh.
"Don't you want to know who killed your father, Emrys?"
Merlin gasped as he looked into Morgana's hate-filled eyes.
She waved at him.
Merlin was momentarily distracted. Morgana took advantage and blasted him back, sending him flying. By the time he picked his head up, Morgana was gone in a puff of smoke.
~*~
Arthur and Merlin tried not to dwell on Morgana's escape. The first thing they did was free their friends in the dungeons. Gwen and Merlin shared a warm hug.
Arthur had been surprised to find Gaius there. They shared a warm reunion. Arthur was still reeling with losing his father and sister basically at the same time.
Thing moved swiftly in Camelot. Arthur's formal coronation as king was set for the next day. Uther’s body was laid out in the now empty throne room. He was dressed in full ceremonial garb with his sword placed in his hands. Arthur sat with his body all night. Merlin had offered to sit with him, but given everything Uther had done to Merlin, Arthur declined. Also, this would be the last time he would ever get to spend any alone time with his father. Arthur promised Merlin that they would find Morgana, and that their father’s deaths would be avenged.
Arthur thought all night about what Uther’s legacy would be. In the end, Arthur had found out that Uther had done terrible things and there was a part of him that hated him for it. But when he thought back on the father he grew up with, he knew that despite his mistakes that Uther had loved him, and he would always love him. In the morning, he stood up, and with tears welling in his eyes, kissed his father’s forehead gently.
“Good-bye, Father.”
He walked out slowly.
When he walked out, he was only slightly surprised to see Merlin sitting directly outside, under the stairs. He was looking in the opposite direction. Arthur watched him for a moment, reflecting on how he can be so unbearable sad in one moment and just see the back of Merlin’s head and feel the greatest joy.
He cleared his throat. “Merlin.”
Merlin turned to look at him.
“It’s a new day.”
Merlin stood up slowly. He gave Arthur a small smile.
“Have you been here all night?”
“I didn’t want you to feel that you were alone.”
Arthur nodded. He walked over to Merlin and gathered him in a tight hug. Merlin melted against his body. “I will never stop being amazed at how I love you more and more every day.”
Merlin kissed his neck. He pulled back and looked at Arthur, running a hand through his hair. “I feel the same.”
Arthur stepped back. He turned and closed the door, gazing at his father’s body one more time. After the doors were shut, he looked back at Merlin. He took a deep breath. “You must be hungry.”
“Starving.”
“Me, too.”
Merlin took his hand. “Let me make you breakfast.”
Arthur smiled.
“But don’t get used to this, me cooking for you stuff.” Arthur laughed. “It’s a special occasion. I hear you’re about to be king.”
~*~
The doors opened and Arthur gulped. He walked in with his head held high, even though he had huge butterflies fluttering in his stomach. His red robe flowed behind him. In attendance were several citizens of Camelot, his knights, Gwen, Gaius, and Merlin. As everyone finished bowing, he kneeled in front of the throne. William of Monmouth stood next to him holding the crown.
“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?” William asked.
“I solemnly swear so to do.” Arthur declared.
William continued. “Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”
“I will.”
William raised the crown above his head. “Then by the sacred law vested in me I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot.” He placed the crown on Arthur’s head.
Arthur felt the weight of history and his father’s legacy placed upon him. He turned to face everyone. The first person his eyes landed on was Merlin.
“Long live the King!” William proclaimed.
Everyone chanted it. “Long Live the King!”
Merlin beamed up at him. “Long live the King!”
Arthur could feel how proud Merlin was of him, and for him. He wanted to share this moment with him. He held out his hand to Merlin.
Merlin’s eyes bulged out. He looked around at everyone. Gwen laughed and gave him a little push. He slowly walked over to Arthur.
Arthur smiled brightly at Merlin. He turned and took Merlin’s hand. Arthur held up his mother’s sigil. “I tried to give you this once…Will you take it now?”
Merlin’s smile was tremulous. “With pride.” He took the sigil from Arthur.
As Merlin examined it, Arthur bent down on one knee.
Merlin almost dropped the sigil. “Arthur, what are you doing?”
“I think I’m proposing.” Arthur smiled and added, “Idiot.”
“Very sweet so far.”
Arthur laughed. “Merlin Emrys, there is no one I’d rather rule Camelot with and fight with and laugh with and love for the rest of my days. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Merlin laughed through his tears. “I will.”
Arthur stood up and Merlin wrapped his arms around his neck. Arthur leaned down to kiss him, but Merlin pulled back a little.
“So does that mean I’ll be king, too?”
“We’ll figure out your title later. Just shut up and kiss me.”
“Oh, is that how you think this marriage is going to work? You’re not going to just boss me around and always-”
Arthur shut him up with a kiss. Merlin pulled back slightly, smiling, before leaning back in and taking Arthur’s lips with his own. Everyone cheered. Merlin opened his mouth wider and deepened the kiss as Arthur pushed his hands into Merlin’s hair.
Arthur thought if this was his destiny, he’d take it happily.
Merlin crouched atop the hill, hidden amongst the trees. He had a clear view of where Uther and his men would be riding. He prepared the arrow and extended the string back as far as it would go, testing it. Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind. He struggled with his attacker. “Get your hands off me!”
“Merlin!”
Merlin turned around, still struggling with the man. “Who are you? What are you doing?”
The blonde man looked at him with wide, stunned eyes. “Merlin, it’s me. It’s Arthur!”
“I don’t know any Arthur!” Merlin pushed the man backwards. “You’re not going to save the king. I will kill him!”
The man, Arthur, shook his head. “You can’t! This isn’t you, Merlin. I don’t know what Morgana has done to you. But this isn’t you.”
“This is exactly who I am and what I was born to do.”
“No!” The man rushed forward.
Merlin swung back as hard as he could and knocked the man out with one punch. “Stupid prat!”
Merlin turned around and grabbed the bow and arrow and set up once again. Uther should be there in any minute.
~*~
Uther was within his sights. His men rode just ahead of him. Just a few more feet and Merlin would have a better shot at him. He extended the string back and when he saw Uther, he took aim
Suddenly Arthur leaped forward and was pierced with the arrow. He fell and rolled a few feet down the hill.
Merlin screamed. He ran forward. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Why would you do that?”
Arthur groaned as he sat up. The arrow went clean through his shoulder. “I thought you would appreciate action more than words.”
“You’re crazy.”
Arthur nodded. “Well I’m in love with you, so that’s probably the same thing.”
Merlin ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t remember you!”
“I don’t care. I remember you. I love you, Merlin!” Arthur’s blue eyes searched his face. “The only thing that I care about is that you don’t forget who you really are.” Arthur strained to reach Merlin.
Merlin knew he should punch the man again. He had a mission. He could still catch up to Uther. But there was something about the way the man was looking at him that made the thought of leaving hurt.
Arthur grabbed his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “I would rather die than let your heart fill with darkness. I need you to always be you.”
Merlin felt wetness on his cheek. He swiped at it and realized he was crying. “You would die for me?”
“I would die for you a million times over.”
“No one’s ever been willing to die for me.”
Arthur sighed. “No one you can remember.” He groaned and fell to the ground.
“No!” Merlin kneeled over him. Images of this man were starting to flash before him. He grabbed the man’s face and really looked at him. He knew this man. Deep in his bones, he knew who he was. This was Arthur. This man filled his heart. How could he ever forget him? He took Arthur’s face in his hands. “Please don’t leave me, Arthur.” He leaned down and softly pressed his lips to Arthur’s.
He pulled back. Arthur’s eyes flew open. “Merlin,” he gasped.
Merlin beamed at him. “Arthur!” He wraps his arms around Arthur, practically squeezing the life out of him.
“Merlin, I can’t breathe.” Arthur wheezes.
“Sorry.” Merlin pulls back. He strokes Arthur’s cheek. “I am so sorry for everything. I’m sorry I lied. I do love you, Arthur. I love you so much!”
Arthur smiles softly at him. He uses two fingers to tilt Merlin’s chin up. “I love you.”
Merlin went to kiss Arthur again but heard crunching on the ground. He looked over and saw several of Uther’s men coming for them. Merlin spins around to Arthur. He grabs Arthur’s arm and lifts him up. Arthur groans. Merlin winces in sympathy. “Sorry.”
They try to run off, but they are outnumbered and Arthur’s injury makes it impossible. One short guard with a big nose and angry glare grabs Merlin and slams him against a tree. Two guards grab Arthur and hold him back. A fourth guard appears and rips the arrow from Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur howls in pain.
“Leave him alone!” Merlin shouts.’
The short, angry guard backhands Merlin.
“If you touch him again, I will kill you!” Arthur growls.
The short guard turns to Merlin. “Should we kill him?”
The fourth guard sneers at Arthur but shakes his head. “The Lady Morgana wants them both alive.”
“Morgana!” Arthur screeches.
The fourth guard looks at both Merlin and Arthur. “She didn’t say they had to be conscious.”
The short, angry guard grins. Merlin looks at Arthur and nods wanting to let Arthur know that everything would be ok. Arthur’s answering nod is the last thing he sees before he loses consciousness.
~*~
Arthur is dragged into the throne room and thrown roughly to the floor. He is shocked to look over and see his father next to him, similarly bound in shackles. Turning to the front of the room, Arthur is shocked to see Morgana sitting atop the throne, smiling smugly down on them.
“Surprised?” She directs her question to Arthur.
Arthur looks up at her in confusion. “Morgana, what are you doing?” he looks around and glowers at her. “Where is Merlin?”
“Don’t worry about your beloved. I still have important plans for him.”
“Why are you doing this?!” Arthur cries
Morgana shrugs. “I’m just taking what’s rightfully mine.”
Arthur’s brows knit together and he shakes his head. “Rightfully yours?”
“That’s right. After all I am a Pendragon. Isn’t that right, Uther?” Morgana glares at him. “Or should I say, Father?”
Uther’s mouth hangs open slightly. His eyes are bulging and he’s panting.
Arthur looks over at his father. “Father? What is she talking about?”
Morgana stands up. “Just one of the many lies that our father has told.”
“Morgana,” Uther finally speaks. “I have treated you like a daughter for years. But that does not make it true. You have no right to the throne.”
“I have every right!” Morgana screams. She shakes her head. “Even now, caught in your lies you can’t admit the truth! I guess I’ll have to help you. It was many years ago. I was playing with Arthur. I decided to hide under your bed. Imagine my surprise when Gaius and our dear Father come in and start to talk about how I’m Uther’s daughter. But, oh, he can’t claim me because it would be a threat to his precious Arthur’s position on the throne.” Morgana steps down and walks towards Uther and Arthur. She looks down at Uther. “Deny it. I dare you.”
Arthur scrutinises his father and instantly knows that every word is true. His face scrunches in disgust. “How could you do this?”
Uther takes in several deep breaths. “I had to protect you.”
Morgana snorts. “The way you had to protect everyone from magic?”
“Magic is evil. It almost destroyed Camelot.” Uther snarls.
“No, that would be you dear Father.” Morgana kneels down, staring Uther directly in the eyes. “Would it surprise you to know that magic has been lurking inside these very walls for years?”
Uther narrows his eyes.
“I have magic,” Morgana whispers.
Uther’s eyes bulge so far they practically fall from their sockets.
Morgana smiles broadly. “That’s right. I cannot even begin to describe how much I hate you. You have persecuted my kind for years for your mistakes.” She turns to Arthur. “Do you want to really know why your mother died?”
Arthur feels like he’s been punched in the stomach. “I know why,” he says softly.
Morgana grimaces, shaking her head slowly. “You know what Uther has told you. You see Uther almost told the truth with regards to your birth and your mother’s death, except he left out one important detail. Nimueh, the high priestess who is responsible for bringing you to this world, did warn Uther that your mother would die. Uther wanted an heir so badly he didn’t care who died.
“That is a lie!” Uther roared.
Arthur looked at Uther with tears brimming in his eyes. “Then tell me the truth, Father. For once, tell me the whole truth.”
Uther swallows thickly, looking down at the ground. He doesn’t look at Arthur when he begins to speak. “Nimueh did tell me that to create life, a life would be sacrificed.” He gazes up at Arthur. “But I assumed it would be mine.”
“You assumed?” Arthur growled. “You killed her.”
Uther shook his head, his face crumpling.
“Yes!” Arthur inhaled sharply. “And then you annihilated an entire race of people to cover up for your cowardice.” Arthur bit his lip. “I’ve never been more ashamed to be your son.”
Morgana smirked. “Now, you’re seeing what I have for all these years.”
Arthur jerked his head to look at her. “Shut up! You’re no better than him.” Morgana’s eyes narrowed. “I have done nothing but love you and you have plotted against me for years.”
Morgana stood up and walked toward Arthur. “You are the one who are just like Uther. You’re arrogant and spoiled. You are not entitled to the crown. It is mine! Everything here is mine. I will not let you stand in the way of that.”
“Do you think killing us is going to endear you to the citizens of Camelot?” Arthur argued.
Morgana shrugged. “Perhaps not. But they’ll learn to adjust. I already have the guards on my side. Your knights probably can’t be convinced. They’ll have to go.” She smiled. “But first things first.” She gestured to one of the guards at the back of the room. “We have to get rid of the king.”
“No!” Arthur screamed.
“Arthur, you know he’s evil. He needs to be punished.”
“Not like this. Please don’t do this. Whatever he’s done, he’s still our father. Please, Morgana. If you ever loved me, don’t do this.”
The guard came over to stand beside Morgana. She looked over at it. She gulped as she peered down at Arthur.
Arthur thought he saw the sister that he grew up with when he looked in her eyes. She closed her eyes and when she opened them, all he saw was the dead look in her eyes.
She gestured to the guard. He unsheathed his sword.
“Morgana, don’t! If you do this, you’re just like him. You have a choice to make. You can be better.”
Morgana sneered. “I already am.” She nodded her head at the guard.
Arthur looked over to Uther.
Uther was staring at him calmly. He smiled thinly. “All I’ve done is for you. I love you, Arthur.”
The guard stabbed his sword into Uther’s gut.
“NOOOOOO!” Arthur bellowed.
Arthur could see the life leaving Uther, until the only thing staring at him were dead eyes. Uther fell over.
Arthur looked away, staring at the ground, and weeping openly.
~*~
Merlin was frantic with worry. One of Uther’s or rather, Morgana’s guards had come to take him from Morgana’s room and had him waiting. He heard Arthur’s scream of agony and struggled against the guard, but it was no use. He knew that Arthur wasn’t dead though. He would feel it if he was.
“Bring him in!” He heard Morgana cry.
The guard pulled him roughly and opened the door, dragging Merlin into the room.
The first thing Merlin could hear was Arthur’s harsh sobs. There was a body lying on the ground beside him. He suspected that it was Uther. When Arthur turned to look at him, his eyes filled with despair, he knew he was right.
Merlin refused to cower in fear in front of Morgana. “If you’re going to kill me, just do it quick.”
Arthur whirled around to look at Morgana. “Please, don’t,” he cried hoarsely.
“I was considering killing Arthur.”
Merlin began to shake.
“Is that alright with you, Merlin?” Morgana simpered. She gestured to her guard. He walked over to Arthur, sword drawn.
“I will do whatever you want if you don’t hurt him.” Merlin pleaded, his voice wavering.
Morgana clapped her hands together. “That’s the spirit!” She walked over to Arthur. “I would let you say good-bye. But I think a clean break is best.” She strode away from him. “Merlin, you and I are going to take a little trip.”
Arthur tried to lunge for her but fell face forward. He looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, don’t go with her! Don’t do this!”
Merlin lips trembled. “I’m sorry.”
Morgana gestured to her guard to take him away. He twisted his head around to look at Arthur until he couldn’t see him any longer.
~*~
Arthur was being dragged to the dungeons. He was too shell-shocked to put up much of a fight. His father was dead. If he could manage to defeat Morgana, he would now be king. And he had to defeat Morgana and soon. He didn’t know how he could go on if Morgana killed Merlin. The thought of Merlin spurred him to action. He collapsed on his knees.
The two guards jostled him. “Get up! On your feet!”
Arthur took the opportunity with one guard hunched over to punch him in the stomach. The other guard wrapped his arms around him, lifting Arthur off the ground. He kicked the first guard in the stomach and used his body to push the guard wrapped around him, backwards into the wall. He elbowed that guard in the face. The first guard had his sword drawn. Arthur grabbed his hand, elbowed him in the face, and then smashed his hand down on his knee, to get him to drop the sword. He threw his arms around the guard’s neck and choked him with the shackles chain, then smashed his head against the wall.
Arthur crouched down and grabbed the keys to his shackles. He removed the shackles as he ran around the corner and smashed into someone. He jumped up, ready to fight, but gasped in surprise when he saw Leon standing before him. He didn’t have a chance to smile in greeting. Leon pushed him against the wall and pierced a guard behind Arthur in the chest.
“I have never been happier to see you, Huntsman.”
Leon grimaced. “Sire, you know I hate when you call me that.”
Arthur shrugged. “Sorry.” He looked at Leon quizzically. “How did you manage to subdue all those men?”
Leon grinned. “Morgana should have planned her attack better. I guess she didn’t realize tonight was a full moon.”
Arthur heard men screaming and a wolf howling.
“Uh huh.” Arthur nodded. He turned serious as he looked at Leon. “We have to find Merlin.”
~*~
Morgana transported Merlin and herself to the Isle of the Blessed. Merlin had never traveled by magic before and fell to the ground.
Morgana looked around and smiled. “This is said to be the center of the old religion. All of its power is focused here.” She gazed at Merlin. “It’s very beautiful. I thought this would be a good spot for your final resting place. No one will ever find you here.”
“Why do you want to kill me, Morgana?” Merlin whispered. He was too exhausted to yell.
“I tried to spare your life, Merlin. I arranged for Arthur to get engaged to Elena, and you would be so heartbroken that you left and never returned. But you and Arthur just had to fight for each other.”
Merlin stood up and glared at Morgana. “That’s what love looks like.”
Morgana rolled her eyes. “This is for the best anyway. I can’t have you being Arthur’s protector.”
“We both have magic. We should be fighting together. We can still do that.”
Morgana scoffed. “It’s too late. Don’t try appealing to my good side.”
“I can see there’s nothing good about you, Morgana. Whatever good that was there is gone. You made your choices.”
“And now you will have to make yours.” Morgana conjured up an apple. “You like apples, don’t you?”
Merlin didn’t answer, just looked at his feet.
“I’ve always liked apples,” Morgana continued. “There’s something about them that’s so pure. Apples are supposed to stand for health and wisdom.”
Merlin glanced at the apple. “Why do I have the feeling that one might kill me?”
“It won’t kill you. What it will do is far worse. Your body will be your tomb. You’ll be trapped, with dreams formed of your own regrets.” Morgana explained.
“And you’re going to force me to eat it.”
Morgana chuckled. “No. It wouldn’t work that way. Your choice. It has to be taken willingly.”
Merlin sighed. “And why would I do that?”
“Because if you don’t the love of your life will be killed.”
Merlin’s lips trembled. “No.”
Morgana shrugged. “As I said the choice is yours.”
Merlin peered at the apple again and then back at Morgana. “I don’t think I can trust you. How do I know if I take that apple, that Arthur will live?”
“You’re just going to have to trust me. Can you live with yourself if you take a chance and Arthur dies?” Morgana thrust the apple at Merlin. “Do we have a deal or not?”
Merlin took the apple with a shaky hand. “Congratulations. You’ve won.” Merlin took a large bite of the red apple. Tears streamed down his face.
Morgana watched him intently, practically nose to nose with him.
Merlin grunted. He felt like his soul was being sucked from his body, little by little. He gasped one last time and fell to the ground, the apple rolling out of his outstretched hand.
~*~
Arthur clutched at his chest. He almost fell off his horse he was in so much pain. Something terrible was wrong. Merlin had burrowed his way so deep in to his heart and soul, that Arthur sometimes felt that he was physically connected to Merlin. But suddenly, that connection was gone. There was just an empty feeling. He climbed off his horse shakily.
He had no idea where Merlin could be. He had no idea where Morgana would take him. He had just started riding blindly towards Merlin’s old cave. Arthur thought it possible that Morgana could be receiving assistance from Cenred.
Right now the only thing he could feel was pain. Merlin couldn’t be gone. He wouldn’t allow it. He fell to his knees and threw his head back, screaming at the sky. “Please somebody help me! Merlin! Somebody!” No answer was forthcoming. He hung his head, fisting his hair painfully.
All of a sudden, he heard a familiar sound. There was the distinct sound of large wings flapping. He looked up overhead and could see something flying down at him at a rapid pace. Was that…?
The great dragon landed with a thud on the ground. Arthur could feel the vibrations under his feet. He gaped up at the large creature. The dragon bowed his head.
“Get on.”
Arthur’s eyes widened almost comically. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
“Arthur, there is no time to waste. If we do not get to the young warlock in time, then your destiny will never be fulfilled.”
Arthur stared for a second longer then rushed over to the dragon. He had to climb up Kilgarrah’s bowed head. Arthur had a hell of a time getting solid footing on the dragon’s scaly skin. But he finally managed to sit atop the dragon’s back.
As the dragon soared up into the sky, Arthur held on for dear life. They had to get to Merlin in time, they just had to.
~*~
They landed on what Kilgarrah called the Isle of the Blessed. Arthur didn’t care how far up he was, the minute Kilgarrah landed he jumped off his back. He landed hard on his side. He rolled over and his blood ran cold when he saw Merlin lying motionless.
Arthur scrambled up and ran to Merlin. He dropped to his knees. He scooped an arm under Merlin’s neck and cradled Merlin’s head in his lap. “Merlin?” he called weakly.
He shook Merlin gently. “Merlin!” he said a little louder this time. He stroked Merlin’s cheek. Merlin’s eyelids didn’t flutter. He didn’t open his gorgeous blue eyes and mockingly call him a prat. There was no response. Arthur sunk his face under Merlin’s chin. Tears spilled onto Merlin’s neck.
“Young Pendragon!” Kilgarrah yelled. “Arthur Pendragon!”
Arthur looked up slowly.
“All is not lost. True love’s kiss can break any curse.”
Arthur gazed down at Merlin, hope beginning to well in his chest. He stood up carefully, cradling Merlin in his arms. He walked over to a rectangular pillar in the middle of the ground. He stared at Merlin’s beautiful face. “I swear Merlin if this doesn’t work I’m going to chase to the other side just to throttle you.”
Arthur took a deep breath and leaned over, planting his lips gently, but firm against Merlin’s.
There was some kind of shift around them. Arthur continued to kiss Merlin. He pulled back and Merlin gasped awake.
Arthur laughed through his tears. He almost gasped when Merlin’s eyes flew open and his eyes shimmered like gold. But he was too happy to focus on that.
“You found me,” Merlin beamed.
“I’ll always find you,” Arthur cried.
Merlin sat up and took Arthur’s face between his hands, kissing him soundly. Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin, deepening the kiss. He never wanted to let Merlin go. He devoured Merlin’s lips, every so often pulling back to pull Merlin’s lower lip between his teeth. Merlin smiled into the kiss.
They regretfully had to pull back when they heard someone clearing his throat behind them. Merlin smiled sheepishly when he saw the dragon. Arthur helped Merlin down from the pillar. They walked hand in hand over to the dragon.
“It’s good to see you, Emrys. Everything is as it should be.”
Merlin shook his head. “Why did you call me, Emrys?”
“That is your name in many circles. You have been unaware for too long of your true nature. Your powers have been restored to you and you and Arthur can fulfill your destinies.”
Merlin looked down at his hands. He looked at Arthur. "I do feel different. It's like something's tingling just beneath my skin."
Arthur looked up at Kilgarrah. "What kind of powers are you talking about?"
"You'll discover that yourselves." Kilgarrah laughed. "The power is instinctive, Emrys. Just let yourself feel it."
Merlin nodded.
Arthur sighed. "We have to get back to Camelot. I have to deal with Morgana."
Merlin squeezed his hand. "We will take care of her. Together."
Arthur smiled and lifted up their joined hands. He kissed the back of Merlin's hand.
Kilgarrah sighed. "I do not excuse the witch's actions, but Morgana had her own destiny that was hard for her to escape."
Arthur bit his lip. "Do you mean she had no choice?" Arthur looked somewhat hopeful. He truly hated Morgana for what she'd done. But he couldn't erase how much he had loved her, either.
"There were alternate choices she could have made..."
"Then she can face the consequences." Arthur interrupted.
Kilgarrah simply nodded.
Arthur turned to Merlin and grinned slightly. "Are you ready to ride a dragon?"
Merlin's eyebrows raised skyward.
~*~
Morgana stared into her mirror, her chin on top of her hands.
"Uther's finally dead. Are you happy?" The mirror asked.
Morgana grimaced. "It's too early to tell."
The mirror chuckled. "You know I can't lie to you, Morgana. I see no happiness in your future."
Morgana sneered. "I have half a mind to smash you to pieces."
"You may need my help when Emrys arrives."
Morgana stood up so hard her chair fell backwards. "Emrys!" Morgana started to breathe heavily. "When?"
Morgana heard a loud commotion as something exploded down below.
The mirror laughed. "Guess."
~*~
Merlin didn't know what to expect when they arrived at the castle. Arthur had told him that Leon and Gwen had stayed behind to take care of the rest of the guards. It was possible that Morgana wasn't even at the castle. He just hoped Leon and Gwen were okay.
They got to the castle door and Arthur looked at him expectantly. "Do you think you're ready to try out your powers?"
Merlin shrugged. "I have to try sometime." He held up his hand and he felt something pass through him and the castle doors exploded.
Arthur threw his arm around Merlin shielding him from the debris. They looked over at where the doors used to be.
They exchanged a look and then burst into laughter.
Merlin looked at his hand and then up at Arthur. "This might be fun."
Arthur nodded.
They ran inside. Morgana was rushing down the stairs as they stepped into the foyer. She goggled at Merlin. "What are you doing here?"
Merlin glared at her. "Arthur saved me."
Morgana rolled her eyes. "Of course he did." She came to stand in front of them. Her held was held high and she seemed overly confident.
"Did you come back to save your friends?" she laughed. "They put forth a valiant effort, Leon and his pet wolf. But they were no match for me. And you won't be either."
"I wouldn't be so sure, Morgana." Arthur declared.
"I have magic and you don't."
"But I do." Merlin stared at Morgana, blasting her backwards. She landed through the now non-existent doors.
Morgana stumbled to her feet. "H-how did you do that?"
Arthur smiled grimly. "Meet Emrys."
Morgana's eyes widened. "You're Emrys?!"
Merlin stepped forward. "Yes. Apparently, I was born with magic. And if it wasn't for you and your curse I probably never would have gotten my powers back."
Morgana fumed. She looked at Arthur. "Are you going to kill me?"
Arthur walked over to stand directly in front of her. "I'm not like you or our father. But you will pay for killing him."
Morgana just glared at him.
"I really did love you," Arthur whispered.
Morgana sucked in a breath. "I loved you once, too."
Arthur stepped back and Merlin stood in front of Morgana now. Kilgarrah had given him a spell to bind Morgana's powers, at least temporarily. Merlin started to recite the incantation, when Morgana began to laugh.
"Don't you want to know who killed your father, Emrys?"
Merlin gasped as he looked into Morgana's hate-filled eyes.
She waved at him.
Merlin was momentarily distracted. Morgana took advantage and blasted him back, sending him flying. By the time he picked his head up, Morgana was gone in a puff of smoke.
~*~
Arthur and Merlin tried not to dwell on Morgana's escape. The first thing they did was free their friends in the dungeons. Gwen and Merlin shared a warm hug.
Arthur had been surprised to find Gaius there. They shared a warm reunion. Arthur was still reeling with losing his father and sister basically at the same time.
Thing moved swiftly in Camelot. Arthur's formal coronation as king was set for the next day. Uther’s body was laid out in the now empty throne room. He was dressed in full ceremonial garb with his sword placed in his hands. Arthur sat with his body all night. Merlin had offered to sit with him, but given everything Uther had done to Merlin, Arthur declined. Also, this would be the last time he would ever get to spend any alone time with his father. Arthur promised Merlin that they would find Morgana, and that their father’s deaths would be avenged.
Arthur thought all night about what Uther’s legacy would be. In the end, Arthur had found out that Uther had done terrible things and there was a part of him that hated him for it. But when he thought back on the father he grew up with, he knew that despite his mistakes that Uther had loved him, and he would always love him. In the morning, he stood up, and with tears welling in his eyes, kissed his father’s forehead gently.
“Good-bye, Father.”
He walked out slowly.
When he walked out, he was only slightly surprised to see Merlin sitting directly outside, under the stairs. He was looking in the opposite direction. Arthur watched him for a moment, reflecting on how he can be so unbearable sad in one moment and just see the back of Merlin’s head and feel the greatest joy.
He cleared his throat. “Merlin.”
Merlin turned to look at him.
“It’s a new day.”
Merlin stood up slowly. He gave Arthur a small smile.
“Have you been here all night?”
“I didn’t want you to feel that you were alone.”
Arthur nodded. He walked over to Merlin and gathered him in a tight hug. Merlin melted against his body. “I will never stop being amazed at how I love you more and more every day.”
Merlin kissed his neck. He pulled back and looked at Arthur, running a hand through his hair. “I feel the same.”
Arthur stepped back. He turned and closed the door, gazing at his father’s body one more time. After the doors were shut, he looked back at Merlin. He took a deep breath. “You must be hungry.”
“Starving.”
“Me, too.”
Merlin took his hand. “Let me make you breakfast.”
Arthur smiled.
“But don’t get used to this, me cooking for you stuff.” Arthur laughed. “It’s a special occasion. I hear you’re about to be king.”
~*~
The doors opened and Arthur gulped. He walked in with his head held high, even though he had huge butterflies fluttering in his stomach. His red robe flowed behind him. In attendance were several citizens of Camelot, his knights, Gwen, Gaius, and Merlin. As everyone finished bowing, he kneeled in front of the throne. William of Monmouth stood next to him holding the crown.
“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?” William asked.
“I solemnly swear so to do.” Arthur declared.
William continued. “Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?”
“I will.”
William raised the crown above his head. “Then by the sacred law vested in me I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot.” He placed the crown on Arthur’s head.
Arthur felt the weight of history and his father’s legacy placed upon him. He turned to face everyone. The first person his eyes landed on was Merlin.
“Long live the King!” William proclaimed.
Everyone chanted it. “Long Live the King!”
Merlin beamed up at him. “Long live the King!”
Arthur could feel how proud Merlin was of him, and for him. He wanted to share this moment with him. He held out his hand to Merlin.
Merlin’s eyes bulged out. He looked around at everyone. Gwen laughed and gave him a little push. He slowly walked over to Arthur.
Arthur smiled brightly at Merlin. He turned and took Merlin’s hand. Arthur held up his mother’s sigil. “I tried to give you this once…Will you take it now?”
Merlin’s smile was tremulous. “With pride.” He took the sigil from Arthur.
As Merlin examined it, Arthur bent down on one knee.
Merlin almost dropped the sigil. “Arthur, what are you doing?”
“I think I’m proposing.” Arthur smiled and added, “Idiot.”
“Very sweet so far.”
Arthur laughed. “Merlin Emrys, there is no one I’d rather rule Camelot with and fight with and laugh with and love for the rest of my days. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Merlin laughed through his tears. “I will.”
Arthur stood up and Merlin wrapped his arms around his neck. Arthur leaned down to kiss him, but Merlin pulled back a little.
“So does that mean I’ll be king, too?”
“We’ll figure out your title later. Just shut up and kiss me.”
“Oh, is that how you think this marriage is going to work? You’re not going to just boss me around and always-”
Arthur shut him up with a kiss. Merlin pulled back slightly, smiling, before leaning back in and taking Arthur’s lips with his own. Everyone cheered. Merlin opened his mouth wider and deepened the kiss as Arthur pushed his hands into Merlin’s hair.
Arthur thought if this was his destiny, he’d take it happily.
