Okay, so I'm finally going through and editing this mess of a fic and hoping I don't mess everything up again.

Episode 1: The By Blow

And you remember my two rules? Hunith's words rang in her son's mind as he caught sight of the city before him. Don't reveal your magic and don't tell anyone where you're from or who I am.

Despite his mother's explanation, Merlin still didn't get the second rule. How could someone like her have people who'd 'wish him ill' should they find out who his mother was? She was just a simple healer from a small village that no king cared about. She wasn't anyone important.

Yet, she seemed more insistent on her second rule than the first, so Merlin had agreed. If there was something more dangerous than his magic, then he wanted nothing to do with it.

"Are you Gaius?" the boy asked walking into the room labeled 'Court Physician.' Startled, the old man dropped the potion in his hand, only to find it dangling before him.

"How did you do that?" Gaius asked as Merlin's concentration broke and the vial smashed. "Oh, you must be Merlin, Hunith's boy. It makes sense now. Your mother's letters said you needed instructing in something I knew well. I see now she didn't mean medicine like I assumed."

Merlin was relieved that this man wasn't screaming for him to be burned, and realized that his own mother had broken rule number one. "My mother told you about my magic?"

Gaius nodded, going to clean up the liquid. "Not in so many words. I only knew just now when I saw you try to keep the potion from falling. It was quite impressive where did you learn such magic?"

"I've always been able to do it," Merlin admitted grabbing a rag to help the old man. He worried Gaius might not be able to get back up should he bend down. "Ever since I was a baby my mother said. Hang on, how come you're not calling for my arrest?"

Gaius raised an eyebrow into what Merlin would later know as his signature stare. "Well it wouldn't be good form to get my ward executed, now would it? Besides, I do not share the King's views on magic. He is blinded by fear; a fear I do not share. I studied magic myself until the king outlawed it. Corrupt people use magic; magic doesn't corrupt people."

Merlin had only ever heard Will and his mother talk like this, and he felt relieved. How terrible it would have been to die minutes into his arrival? "I think that's why my mother sent me here. So you could teach me to control my magic."

"I'll very well try," Gaius admitted showing Merlin to the room that would be his. "But you must be careful Merlin. Little slip ups like that will get you killed."

Merlin nodded, shocked about how little control he'd had. Usually he was much better at keeping a lid on things. "Oh, my mother gave me a letter for you," he recalled pulling out the parchment. "I'll leave you to it then."

"Yes, settle in, and Merlin," Gaius called as the boy went to shut the door. "I'm glad your mother did send you. You are quite extraordinary." Merlin nodded and shut the door leaving Gaius to read Hunith's letter.

My dear Gaius,

Since the day he was born, Merlin has shown incredible gifts. Gifts that, should anyone find out, will get him killed. I beg you old friend to teach him as you taught me, but furthermore protect him. Camelot is the most dangerous place in the world for him, and I'd sworn to never send him there. It seems though that you are his only hope, so I betrayed myself for him. Help him, please.

Forever grateful,

Hunith Ambrosius

Gaius sighed, burning the letter immediately. Hunith had presented him a real challenge in the boy, but he would do his best to keep Merlin safe. Maybe the best place for a boy like him was right under the king's nose; Uther could be ever so thick.

"If you don't mind," Gaius spoke as he intruded into the boy's room a bit later. "I'd have you make my rounds for me. Until you find another job, you can help me just as your mother used to."

Merlin nodded, glad to have something to do. Already he was growing restless in Camelot, and with restlessness came magical outbursts. Sometimes it seemed like his magic itself had grown restless as well.

Gaius explained the contents of each vial and to whom they belonged. He knew Merlin wasn't really listening, but prayed the boy had the sense to read the labeled direction. Commoner as he may be Merlin had been raised be the brightest woman Gaius knew. The physician was confident that the boy had the ability to read, if he only had the shrewdness to.

Just as the boy set off, Gaius was surprised to find an worried-looking King standing by the door. "Who was that boy that just walked past me?"

Gaius cursed Merlin for not realizing it was the King he'd just passed. "That is Merlin, sire, my new ward. He would not have even known who you are. Forgive him if he offended you without a greeting."

Uther shook his head, "It's not that. Merlin you say his name is?" The King pondered the name like it was the ultimate question. "And where is he from?"

"Oh, this small village in Cenred's kingdom, Ealdor it's called." The King baulked at the name. "Is something wrong sire?" Gaius hadn't known better than to break rule number two, but he had.

"Not too small though, plenty of boys there," Uther muttered confusing the physician even more. "It's nothing Gaius." The King turned to leave, and, as imprudent as it was, Gaius spoke up.

"Was there I reason you came Sire?"

Uther looked up at his old friend, and the older man saw a ghost in the King's eyes. "It's nothing Gaius. I've forgotten about it already. I must go." The King was out of there before Gaius could even ponder his strange behavior. In the end, the physician just decided today was a strange day, and left it at that.

Meanwhile, Uther found himself looking out the window of his chamber to where a skinny boy with raven hair and shockingly blue eyes ran about the courtyard. The King knew he was being silly, no one could possibly be that foolish, but he couldn't help but wonder. What if? What if he was? What would he do then?

The King didn't know, and that scared him more than anything else.

"Sire," Gaius stood surprised by the man's visit. Merlin, who caught the physician's hard glare, bowed immediately. So this is the King who wants me dead, not that he knows as much. Merlin realized, but kept his mouth shut. "Did you remember what you wanted from earlier?"

Uther shook his head, eyes trained on Merlin. For a second the boy wondered if maybe Uther did know about his magic, but it was impossible. Besides, if Uther knew Merlin would be dead already. (Or imprisoned at the very least.) "Actually I have come to pay you an honor," Uther admitted his eyes still not flickering towards the physician he spoke to. "You have served me well, Gaius, and in reward I would like to make your new ward my son's manservant."

Merlin didn't know anything about the Prince, whom he hadn't even seen, but he knew that being any royal's manservant was supposed to be an honor. (Even if it was a crappy job.) "Merlin would be happy to take the position," Gaius answered for him. "Thank, thank you sire."

Uther nodded, leaving without another word, and the two men turned to each other. "Manservant? But I don't know anything about being a servant."

Gaius shrugged, "Last I checked Arthur had a manservant as well. It's strange for the King to do something like that. You shouldn't worry though, Merlin. It is an honor and Arthur isn't a bad man." Gaius didn't mention how often he was treating Arthur's servants for little cuts; he need not scare the boy. "And you'll be told what to do by the Prince I'm sure. Get some rest it will be an early morning."

Merlin left for his room, shocked by this new development. Even if it was for Gaius's sake why did the King want him of all people to be the Prince's manservant? How did the King even know he existed?

Gaius was thinking how strange it was as well, but he brushed it off easier. Merlin had needed a job and now he didn't. It would be good for the boy to learn the politics of the castle. Additionally, Gaius knew how blind Arthur could be; he wasn't likely to notice Merlin's gifts. It was a good idea, really, albeit a strange one.

"Who are you?" the Prince bellowed once Merlin entered his room, breakfast in hand as Gaius had suggested. "Where's Morris?"

Merlin shrugged, assuming Morris was the former servant Gaius had mentioned. "I don't know, but I'm Merlin, your new manservant."

"I already have a manservant," Arthur gruffed sitting up to reveal his startling blue eyes (which reminded Merlin a lot of his own.) "Who sent you?"

"Your Father," Merlin replied setting the breakfast down and going to open the Prince's curtains. Arthur shied away from the sunlight, and Merlin was grinning as he opened it more. If the Prince was going to be rude then Merlin would be as well. "As I said he wants me as your new manservant."

Arthur smacked his lips trying to think of one good reason why his father would replace Morris. "Very well then, you can help me get dressed and then get one with your chores," Arthur sighed climbing out of bed. When he noticed the boy unmoving, he shook his head. "You've never been a servant before, have you?"

"No."

"No, sire," Arthur corrected rolling his eyes.

"No need to call me sire, you're the Prince not me."

Arthur was shocked by the boy's words. How dare he! Yet, at the same time, Arthur was impressed. No one, especially not a servant, ever challenged him like that. It was actually quite refreshing. (Refreshing, not acceptable.) "Well then, Marvin you said it is?"

"Merlin."

"Well, Merlin," Arthur tried to hide his amusement. "I'll tell you exactly what I expect you to do. First you will pass me my clothes from the dresser. Then you will clean my boots, polish my armor, much out my stalls, and walk my dogs. By then it should be lunch time and since I am eating with my father today you can come and help serve. After lunch you will accompany me to training where I will teach you basic footwork." Merlin didn't like the Prince's grin. "You can't be accompanying me on hunts if you're just going to faint at the sight of blood. After training you will clean my room, bring me my dinner, clean up again, and then you are free to go."

Merlin had no idea servants were so busy. He'd worked long hard days in the fields of Ealdor, but this was beyond that. These tasks would kill him, which, considering the Prince's smirk, was probably the goal. "Yes your pratiness."

Arthur wasn't sure what to do. If he punished Merlin with the stocks he'd have no one to do his mass of chores, but the boy insisted on being disrespectful. He'd just have to remind Merlin who he was at training later. Then maybe the boy would remember his place. "Just pass me my belt," Arthur grumbled before heading out the door and leaving Merlin to his tasks.

Merlin moved around the table clumsily, but that wasn't why Uther was staring. He'd only made the boy Arthur's manservant so he could keep an eye on him, and now the King wished he hadn't. Every movement, ever step made Uther surer and surer of the boy's identity. He had to know, but either answer would drive him insane. Why couldn't that damn woman just listen?

"Your servant," Merlin's ears poked up as the King mentioned him. "How is he?" The boy had to hold his tongue from mentioning that he was standing right there.

Arthur looked up at Merlin, surprised they would talk about a servant. "Fine. You could have found someone with previous experience though. And why did you fire Morris?"

Uther didn't answer, "Boy, where are you from?"

Merlin, surprised he was being spoken to, almost forgot rule number 2, "Eald..rin," Merlin caught himself. "It's a little farming village on the edge of the Kingdom sire."

The boy's lie told Uther everything he needed to know. This boy was Hunith's child, and disaster was upon them. Camelot could well be on its way to ruin.

The rider arrived in Ealdor at sunrise, looking as if he'd rode all night. The man was practically falling off his horse as he called out, "I bare an urgent message for a woman named Hunith Ambrosius."

Terror gripped Hunith as she realized what this had to be about. Merlin had barely been gone a week, but already things had fallen apart. She should have known better than to send Merlin to Camelot! "That's me," Hunith admitted reaching out for the letter. She expected the rider to leave right away, but he stayed. "The King has requested you wait for a response?" She realized looking at the seal, and the rider nodded. Sighing, Hunith invited him to rest in her home as the horse ate and watered. Once she'd escaped everyone's prying eyes, she opened the letter prayer it wasn't the worst news and Merlin still lived.

Hunith,

How dare you send him here! Did you think I wouldn't recognize him? Do you think I wouldn't realize who he was? I sent you away so I never had to look upon the boy. Was my allowance not enough for you? Must you curse me like this?

I order you to recall the boy back immediately before any more damage is done. Sent a letter with the messenger I sent you. And don't tell Merlin why he must leave. The boy must never know, both of them.

Your King,

Uther Pendragon

Hunith breathed a sigh of relief, glad to know that Uther hadn't discovered Merlin's magic. Her boy was safe, even though this whole effort had been in vain. He'd have to come home before Uther acted rashly or Merlin started to suspect. If there was one thing Uther and Hunith agreed on it was that Merlin should never, ever know the truth.

Quickly, Hunith drew up the letter which reached Merlin's hands by the next day.

Dearest Merlin,

I was wrong to send you to Camelot. Every day I awake wondering if you have done the same. The King will discover your gift I just know it. You must come home immediately my son, before it's too late.

Missing you dreadfully,

Mom

Merlin read, and then reread the letter. He was exhausted and bruised from 'training' with Arthur, and found its words to be a welcomed relief. He could go home! Camelot was no place for Merlin and he could go home.

"You must tell Arthur though," Gaius reminded Merlin after he shared the letter. "He'll have to release you from his service before it would be fitting to leave."

Merlin nodded unconcerned. Arthur clearly hated him and would glad to let him go. Now all Merlin had to do was get the words out.

He tried to tell Arthur three times before everything fell apart. Really, Merlin did. It wasn't his fault that destiny wasn't going to let Merlin leave so easily.

They were hearing petitions in the throne room when it happened. A woman, young and beautiful beyond her class, knelt before Uther's feet. "I must admit I have a demand, not a request, sire." Her voice resonated with a power that made Merlin think only of magic. "I demand you tell the court the truth about your son's new manservant, before I have to myself."

Uther stifled at the words, as did everyone else gathered. What truth did Uther know about Merlin? And why would a sorceress want Merlin's magic revealed? (For that was the only secret Merlin could think of.)

"I know not what you speak of woman," Uther growled waving for the guards to take her away. She didn't like that very much though, and cascades of magic blew the guards back. "Sorcerer!"

She nodded, and tossed Arthur, who'd attempted to attack, back against the wall. With a single word, the court found themselves frozen in place, but Merlin could still move. His own magic was protecting him, but he had no way of helping the others without revealing the truth. He'd never make it back home to Ealdor if he used magic in front of everyone here and now. If the witch moved to hurt someone he'd have to help, but for now he pretended to be frozen as well. "Well isn't that better, Uther? Now everyone is stuck here waiting for what I have to say."

Uther could still move his mouth, "You're insane. I'll have you hanged."

"If that is my fate so be it. I will pay any price for the Prince to know the truth," she admitted looking over to where Merlin and Arthur stood. "I'll give you a final chance to admit it yourself, Uther."

"I will not shame myself pretending to know your lies," Uther growled, but he looked nervous. The King knew exactly what truth she was threatening, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. At least he could deny the claims of a sorceress. "Speak your falsehoods and die."

She shook her head, walking over to where the boys stood. To everyone's surprised, her fingers ran along Merlin's cheek. "You are a splendid actor, my Lord," she whispered in Merlin's ear. When he didn't move though, she smiled, and walked back where everyone could see. "Let it be known that what I know was shown to me by the gods themselves! I do not lie to you but tell the truth. A truth you deserve to know. For twenty years, you have believed Prince Arthur to be the sole heir to Camelot. In olden times, he would have been called an Aetheling, one with King's blood, and you all believe he is the only one. But he is far from it. The King has another son, a child born out of wedlock to a serving girl Uther sent all the way to Cenred's kingdom to hide from you. A true Prince of Camelot being forced to work as a servant by his own father. A servant to his very brother. The boy knows himself as Merlin Ambrosius, but he is truly Merlin Pendragon!" The spell broke, and the woman looked over to where Merlin and Arthur stood shocked as she was dragged away. "I am not a liar Prince Merlin, and the King knows it. Soon enough all will believe the truth, and you will regret having let me burn."

"Everybody out!" Uther bellowed with such force that people tripped getting to the door. "Not you two," he corrected looking over to where Prince and Servant were moving to the door in panicked silence. "You are to stay."

"Sire, I swear I know nothing of this witch's allegations," Merlin blabbed as soon as people started moving out. If the King thought he was in league with a witch, it would mean Merlin's death. "My Father died before I was born he…"

Uther shook his head, silencing Merlin. "He did not die." Uther spoke so simply it shocked even his son, who probably knew the King better than anybody. "Your Mother is Hunith Ambrosius, of the village Ealdor? She grew up here in Camelot and was apprenticed to Gaius?"

Merlin opened and closed his mouth, unable to collect his thoughts never mind form words. "You actually know her, Father?" Arthur hissed looking horrified. Arthur's first thought was that the Witch had been trying to weaken the crown but… "Wait, is she telling the truth?"

"Yes," the King admitted sitting back in his chair. The truth was out, and if he was anything like his parents, Merlin was no fool. He'd have figured it out eventually. "Yes. After your mother's death Arthur I found company with Hunith. Don't look so horrified I've seen the glances you cast at some of the servants! I was a single man whose wife had been dead for three years; it's only natural. When I found out she was pregnant I sent her to Ealdor, which was then part of Camelot. We corresponded once or twice and each year and I sent the boy funds to ease Hunith's struggle. I thought she knew better than to send Merlin to Camelot, but apparently that wasn't the case."

Merlin couldn't believe his ears. Uther, Uther the magic-hating KING of Camelot, was his father. For eighteen years, Merlin had been living a lie, and now that he knew the truth there was no going back. "That's why she didn't want anyone here knowing who she was," Merlin realized with a nod. "And you figured it out which is why she recalled me this morning."

That was the one good thing Uther had heard today. "Good. Then you can return to your home, and we can forget about all this messiness ever happened."

"Father!" Merlin was shocked by how indignant Arthur sounded. "You can't just send him away again. The whole Kingdom will know by tomorrow what the Witch said."

"Exactly, it's just a Witch making accusations to destroy the crown. No one will believe it's true."

"But it is true!" Merlin was shocked that Arthur was so keen to defend him. The Prince didn't even like Merlin! Or, at least, he didn't seem to. "Am I just supposed to pretend he isn't… Merlin isn't my brother?"

"Half brother," Uther corrected his son quickly. "And he's a by blow, illegitimate, it doesn't even count."

If this wasn't the King whom Hunith had raised Merlin to be terrified of, he would have spoken up. Instead, he continued to pretend he wasn't here, and Arthur continued to yell. "It's your blood that makes me the Prince, not my mother's! If he has the same blood then Merlin is just as much a prince as I am! You can't just send him away, pretend people won't question it, and expect me to forget!"

"What would you have me do Arthur, legitimize him?" Uther scoffed, but Arthur's eyes were bold. "You can't be serious?"

"The people do not respect royals that don't respect each other." Merlin suspected Arthur was throwing back something Uther had once said. "You may think people will discredit her because she's a Witch, but they will not. They will call you dishonorable, which is the last thing a King should be. Earn back their respect by acknowledging your mistake, Father. Or the people will always wonder why you did not."

Uther had never seen his son look so adamant about anything, and he found himself looking away. Merlin looked nervous, afraid he'd be blamed for the familial rift. As little as Uther wanted to admit it, he saw himself in the scrawny serving boy. He saw the Royal in the boy, and anyone who heard rumors and looked would see it as well. "Royal blood is what makes us above servants," Uther finally admitted with a nod. "It would be… a confusing message for the people if I ignored that blood, you're right Arthur." Uther finally looked to his younger son. "Write a letter to your mother inviting her to Court. I shall draft a decree that legitimizes you after the Witch's execution."

"But if she was telling the truth what is there to execute her for?"

Uther looked upon his younger son, wondering how the boy raised a peasant would ever survive in this new world. "She's still a Witch." The Uther dismissed the boys, and as he left Merlin realized what he'd gotten himself into. Uther hated magic more than anything, and Merlin was magic. His own father would want him dead should Uther know the truth. And now Merlin was stuck here in the Citadel, right under the King's nose, trying to hide his gifts. He was going to die.

"Thank you," Merlin called to Arthur once the two were in the hallway. "I'm surprised you weren't glad to send me away.

Arthur didn't turn to look, because he didn't want Merlin to see the worry on his face. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for the Kingdom. Our father is a fool to believe the people wouldn't gladly seize the first rumor they can. It was the only good option for Camelot."

Merlin nodded, not sure he believed this whole 'for the betterment of Camelot not for you' thing. Arthur clearly didn't hate Merlin as much as they'd both first assumed. Actually, the boys both liked hating each other too much to admit how much they'd enjoyed the company of the past week.

"Go get your stuff from Gaius's chambers and write that letter," Arthur ordered as if Merlin was still his servant and not his brother. "I'll have a servant draw up a chamber for you. Then come to my chamber and we will drill your etiquette for the feast celebrating your legitimization. We don't want you making a fool out of yourself."

Merlin hadn't really thought about how he'd now be a prince and have certain expectations. It was as terrifying a thought as Uther finding out about his magic. "Thank you."

Arthur nodded. "It's the least I can do. After all, you are my brother."

"What do you mean she won't come?" Uther snatched Hunith's letter from Merlin's hands. Sure enough the words were clear as day; she'd always had the sweetest handwriting.

My Dear Merlin,

I am sorry I never told you the truth about your Father, but life as the King's by blow was never a fate I wanted for you. I am glad he has chosen to legitimize you, but will not be coming to court. I don't want to live as the King's mistress. I am happy with my life here in Ealdor, and if he wants me at court he will have to send knights to drag me by my heels.

Wishing you the best of luck and lots of love

Your mother

"She always was stubborn," Uther muttered not even thinking about being in Merlin's presence. "Very well, she can remain where she wishes, but let it be known if Cenred thinks kidnapping her will force me into anything he would be very wrong."

Merlin was terrified that his mother could become a target, but she had made up her mind. Hunith would not be coming to Camelot; Merlin would face this alone.

"Arthur told me he has drilled you in Court etiquette?" Merlin nodded, trying to keep from bowing beneath the King's glare. "Good. We'll keep the feast small, just the council and the knights, but they will be watching you." Merlin suspected people were always watching him from now on. "I've had a simple coronet made for you. You'll get a full one when you come of age in… how old are you again nineteen?"

"Eighteen."

Uther nodded; he'd forgotten about the nine-month gestation period. "Very well, three years then. That also means you have three years to learn how to be a true Prince and a Knight." Arthur had twenty-one years; Merlin had three. How very typical. "Arthur will train you I'll make sure of it. Now go get ready for the feast."

"Yes Sire," Merlin answered walking out. As he reached the door Uther spoke.

"Oh, and Merlin. From now on, you're to refer to me as Father. It is what Arthur does and you shall do the same." Merlin nodded and left to go get dressed.

A boy about Merlin's age stood in his chambers. "Who are you?"

"I'm Monty, sire," the servant replied quickly. He looked as nervous as Merlin had been on his first day. "I've picked up your new clothes for you do you need help dressing?"

Merlin shook his head. Only prats like Arthur didn't know how to dress themselves. "No, no thank you Monty, and please, Merlin is fine, not sire."

"I think I'll stick with sire, sire," the boy answered looking out the door to see if anyone had heard. "The King threw someone in the dungeons once for calling your brother by his name. I'd rather that not be me."

Merlin was shocked. He'd called Arthur far worse things than his name and only been thrown in the stocks for it. Was that Uther going easy on his son? Or was it more proof that Arthur liked Merlin more than he'd admit? "I'm sorry then. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble."

"I just got to Camelot," Monty admitted seeming unsure what to do with himself. "I was shocked that I got the job, but my Uncle had worked for the King for years so he must have helped." Merlin smiled to himself at the boy's rambling; they weren't that different. "He said you were Prince Arthur's servant? Why would a prince be his brother's servant?"

Apparently, the story hadn't spread as far as they feared it would. "I'm not technically a prince, not until my Father signs the decree legitimizing me tonight. I was Arthur's servant only while Ut..my Father attempted to decide whether or not he should tell me the truth."

"Yeah, I knew that," Monty smiled his teeth surprisingly white. "I just wanted to see if you'd tell the truth." So everyone did know then. Well, at least that made sense to Merlin. "You're not like most Prince's are you?"

Merlin looked at the coronet that had been delivered to the room while he spoke with Uther. "Like I said-I'm not a prince yet."

"I'm sorry to interrupt sire," Merlin saw Gwen poke her head in the door. Over the past week, the two had been growing close, but she hadn't even spoken one word to Merlin since the Witch arrived. "But it seems your coronet was brought here by mistake. The King is supposed to present it to you at the feast after he signs the decree."

"Please, take it," Merlin's smile tried not to droop as Gwen wouldn't look him in the eye. What was wrong with her? A week ago they'd been laughing about Arthur being a git, and now… Now Merlin was a prince and she a servant. They'd never be allowed to laugh and joke like that again.

How many people wished they could be royals? Merlin knew many who did, but he never had. Of course he would end up being the one stuck with the crown, wouldn't he? Will would have enjoyed it far more…

Merlin dragged his thoughts back to Camelot. It didn't matter whether or not he wanted to be the Prince; he was. No one gets to choose their family and Merlin's family meant he was destined for a life where his only equal was Arthur.

Speaking of the devil, "Merlin. We don't want to be late for the feast. Please tell me you're dressed?" Merlin opened the door for his brother and revealed his new outfit. It wasn't too different from what he'd always worn, except it actually fit him. The red shirt had a deeper color as well, because it cost more than everything else Merlin had ever owned combined. "No." Arthur told him ripping the neckerchief off of Merlin. "Princes don't wear scarves; leave that for Morgana."

Without the neckerchief, Merlin felt naked, but he didn't fight Arthur on it. Merlin just needed to get through this feast and be an official Prince. Then he could argue with his brother over whether or not a neckerchief was suitable for a man.

"There," Arthur nodded studying his younger brother. "You're almost not an embarrassment to the Kingdom."

Merlin didn't miss Arthur's use of the word 'almost' and smiled because of it. Maybe he could actually get through this night. Maybe he could actually survive as a Prince. Maybe it would even be fun.

Or maybe it would be a disaster. Either way the only thing Merlin could do was follow Arthur out of the room.

Merlin found himself seated to the right of Arthur and his Father, facing Morgana. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the girl. In one sense, Merlin liked her, as Gwen spoke highly of her mistress. Gwen was a good person, and if she thought Morgana was as well then Merlin would believe so too. Yet, she hadn't spoken to Merlin once and eyed him with distrust. It made sense to an extent. Morgana's family was Uther and Arthur and here Merlin came in intruding. Still, Merlin wished he knew how to get the girl to like him. They were basically siblings after all, and both knew what it was like to be part of the royal family, but not really.

(They also both knew what it was like to have magic, but even Morgana hadn't yet to call her strange dreams that, never mind Merlin.)

"Outside fork," Arthur coughed under his breath when their first course was delivered and Merlin reached for the inside one. "And sit up straight."

Merlin did as Arthur asked, knowing that everyone at the table was watching him. Not a single guest had spoken to the soon-to-be-Prince, but everyone was watching Merlin. Did he know how to behave? Could a commoner really just become a Prince? The Nobles hated the idea of someone rising so far above their station, but they smiled and chattered. Not even they could blatantly criticize the King and expect to escape with their head and land intact.

Merlin tried not to let it bother him, and instead focused on enjoying his meal. The food was richer and tastier than anything Merlin had ever had in his life, and it melted in his mouth.

"Merlin at least knows how to with strain himself to a reasonable portion," Morgana's mention of him perked up Merlin's abnormally large ears. "You'd be lighter on your feet if you didn't eat so much Arthur."

Arthur rolled his eyes, picking up another drumstick. "Merlin has never eaten properly in his life. I'd hardly call a twig like him the ideal." Arthur looked over to where there was still food on Merlin's plate. "Speaking of which you have to eat more if you're going to have the strength for training."

Merlin had been to enough of Arthur's training sessions to know they were no more strenuous than farming. (And he'd done that on an empty stomach a few too many harvests.)

Merlin was saved a response by his father, however, who stood up and silenced the room. "We all know why we have gathered together in this feast today. Nineteen years ago I dishonored myself and my family by consorting with a servant. That engagement produced a child, my son, who I sent away to lessen my shame. Now though, it has been seen fit that he return to Camelot where he belongs. As my son Arthur reminded me it is my blood, not that of a child's mother, that makes him a prince of Camelot. Merlin, please stand before these witnesses," Uther ordered and Merlin did without uttering a word. "With my eldest's words in mind, I formally decree that, Merlin Ambrosius, be henceforth known as Merlin Pendragon, Prince of Camelot. He is truly my son and a prince that makes him."

Merlin felt the weight of the coronet rest against his head as those around clapped. No one seemed truly excited, and Merlin was glad to find the applause didn't last long and he could sit. No one looked at him any less, but it was easier to pretend he was hidden while Merlin sat.

"Congratulations, brother," Arthur told him with a nod. Both Princes looked uncomfortable and attempted to hide so with pained smiles. "It is your birthright, just as it is mine." Merlin wasn't sure why anyone should have the right to power just because of who his or her parents were, but that was just the way of the world.

The new Prince had never been more delighted for something to be over than he was that night. Never again did he want a hundred eyes trained on his every move, noting every mistake, and laughing to themselves. All Merlin wanted was to climb on a horse and ride back to Ealdor where he could hide behind his neckerchiefs. This life of a prince was not something Merlin ever wanted and the more he had it the more he hated it.

Merlin wanted to collapse into his bed more than anything, but there was something he had to do first. Carefully, the new Prince snuck down into the dungeons and unlocked the Witch's cell. "I knew you wouldn't let me burn, your highness."

It was the first time someone had called Merlin that, and it made him cringe. "Your only crime is witchcraft, and that is not a crime at all. Go, and don't come back. I won't be able to save you a second time."

"I am grateful to you," the Witch promised as Merlin led her to the escape tunnels. "And I trust you will fulfill your destiny. No, don't speak," she ordered as Merlin went to. "I cannot explain, but one much greater than I will soon enough. For now know your destiny is here by your brother's side, and that is where you belong."

"Si…Father," Merlin corrected himself quickly under the King's glare. So far it seemed the incompetent guards hadn't even realized the Witch was gone, but what if Merlin had just missed the warning bells? Did Uther know about Merlin freeing her? From the looks of it, no, but he still worried. "I didn't hear you come in."

Uther hadn't really come in. He stood in the doorway looking almost as awkward as his son had at the feast. "You did very well tonight," he finally declared with a nod and Merlin breathed a sigh of relief. Uther didn't know about the Witch; no one did. "I heard many times over that it had to be in your blood, which, I guess, it is." Well, the royalty part was, but manners couldn't be genetic. That was just Arthur's drilling paying off. "Your brother will of course continue to instruct you in the ways of court and the skills of a knight."

Right. Merlin had training tomorrow and it was going to be miserable. Maybe Arthur would spend more time teaching Merlin and less time using him as a punching bag than last week. (Merlin doubted it. Arthur had a lot of pent up rage at life and Merlin made a very good punching bag as he didn't complain.)

"Sometime soon you and I will go on a ride together," Uther declared looking afraid of rejection. "Just us two. So I can get to know you better." Merlin didn't want the King to get to know him better because he might discover the whole magic thing. At the same time, though Merlin wanted his father to get to know him quite a bit. "That is if you don't mind."

Merlin shook his head, and smiled softly. "No, no I think I would like that. I spent my whole childhood thinking my father was dead. It's…nice to know that isn't the case."

"Perhaps I shouldn't have sent you away." The King looked haunted by the idea, and Merlin wondered if Uther had been drinking too much. The King didn't seem like one to get this emotional sober. (But then again, Merlin didn't know his father from the rumors.) "But you looked happy in Ealdor."

Wait, what? "When did you see me in Ealdor?"

Merlin was sure the King was drunk when he cursed. "I separated from the rest of the party on our ride back from a failed peace talk with Cenred," Uther finally admitted. "I came under the guise of a poor traveler, but your mother of course recognized me. You were very young, probably don't even remember, but I found I had to see you. I never doubted your mother about your parentage mind you. Many men would have, but I knew Hunith to be honorable even if she wasn't chaste. Still, it wasn't until I looked into your eyes that I knew for sure that you were my son. You and Arthur have the same eyes, have you realized that? Though you both take after your mothers, your eyes are the same. They're mine thirty years ago. I looked into your eyes in Ealdor and I knew you were my son. I even spoke with your mother about taking you back to Camelot, declaring you then and there, but morning came and I changed my mind. 'I won't be able to face my son if he knows the truth,' I told her…" Uther was caught in the memory of a time long past, and Merlin noticed the faintest tear in his eye. Rumors weren't always true it seemed. Uther was harsh, fearsome, but he wasn't heartless. No, perhaps his problem was he loved too much. "I don't know which son I meant," the King finally admitted shaking the drowsiness from his head. "But now I look at both of you and know I was wrong. My sons are Princes, as they should be, and I'm glad for it."

Merlin didn't know what to say, but his nod was answer enough. No one was sure if this would work out, but it was the only option. Merlin had as much right to the title 'Prince' as Arthur, and now he'd claimed it. Only time would tell if he would regret doing so. "I do remember you," Merlin finally admitted himself. "I didn't know you were the King of course, and it's a vague memory but I remember you asking me if I liked my life. If I was happy."

"You said you were very happy," Uther recalled surprised his son did as well. "And then I…" Uther didn't finish his phrase before Merlin pulled out the dragon-head ring his mother had handed him before he left for Camelot. "It was foolish for me to leave such an article in the possession of a child. I assume your mother kept it all these years?"

Yes. Merlin had dropped it in the woods second day, but Hunith knew the danger it could bring and locked it away with the rest of her things from Camelot. "It's the Pendragon seal, isn't it?"

"One of three in creation," Uther fiddled with the matching ring on his finger. Merlin, thinking it was precious, went to hand it over but Uther waved him away. "Arthur has one as well. As you said, it's the Pendragon seal, not the royal one. You are a Pendragon might as well keep the ring if it fits." It was a little loose, but didn't fall off when Merlin slid it on his hand. "Good. Now you should get some rest. Goodnight Merlin."

For the first time Merlin didn't hesitate. "Goodnight, Father."