Hello readers!

Here is the SEQUEL to BORN OF MAGIC. It'll be best to read that one first before reading this one. This story had been brewing in the back of my mind while I was wrote Born of Magic and I'm glad I decided to go with it. It's been fun for me and enjoyable because now I know my world. Maybe it's me, but I just grew confused on exactly what the Five Kingdoms were in Merlin. So I devised my own solution to the Five Kingdoms, and declared them to be the East of Albion instead of all, because obviously there were more than five kingdoms in Albion on the show. Oh, and a bit of warning, there will be slight slash in this story.

We have new characters from the show get introduced, once again their backstories have been changed yet I tried to keep true to their personalities as they were on the show.

As for the timeline, this story takes place a year after Born of Magic. Now, go on, read! Enjoy the start of Light of Arthur.

Oh, and as always, I don't own Merlin.

"Where's Arthur?"

That was the sixth time that morning the very question had been asked.

As the Advisor, the Right-Hand Man, secret Court Sorcerer, it was up to Merlin to answer that.

Instead he just shot an exasperated look at George, Arthur's manservant of the past year.

George was pale, stricken, like whatever he said would send him to the gallows. "He wasn't in bed when I went to rouse him this morning."

Merlin leaned against the edge of the Round Table. Arthur had one built, with the same ancient engravings as the one found in the Ruined Castle of the Ancient Kings. The scary thing was, Arthur had been the one to engrave them. With each day, there were more secret hidden talents Merlin found out about Arthur.

Him shirking from responsibly was no secret, yet this was the first time it had happened since Arthur had been crowned King of Camelot.

Leon, Arthur's Head Male Knight, rose a brow. "Did he get abducted and we just don't know it?"

Isolde, his Head Female Knight, scoffed at that, whipping her long blonde ponytail from her shoulder. "After the new training regimen and strict guard routines, I'll be surprised if a fly slipped by unnoticed."

She raised a fine point.

Morgana drummed her fingers along the table. "I suggest he cracked and finally ran away from the burdens of duties."

Gwaine grumbled and handed Percival a small pouch of coins.

Tristan glared. "Did you bet on our King?"

Lancelot hurried placed his own pouch back into his trousers.

Tristan caught it. "You're supposed to be the most noble of us all."
Lancelot grinned sheepishly.

Merlin rubbed his temples.

"Arthur was in the right frame of mind when he retired for the night," George said.

"He and Uther have been in better moods this month," Gaius pointed out.

Merlin simmered at that thought. The arguments behind closed doors, the constant disappointment. Uther had berated Arthur for destroying his kingdom. Arthur had allowed Uther to remain on the council at the start of his reign. Yet after barely a month, Arthur dismissed him.

The council kept their affairs private from the people.

Yet no one could hid the heighten tension between father and son.

Each and every day, a part of Merlin hated Uther more.

Arthur was his son. And in the first year alone, he accomplished what no king had ever done.

Granted, he accidentally killed King Caerleon and almost started a war with Queen Annis. Arthur prevented it with bargains of peace. Merlin never forgot what he overheard Queen Annis say to Arthur that day:

"There's something about you, Arthur Pendragon. Something that gives me hope for us all."

For the first time, Arthur achieved a true peace treaty with the Five Kingdoms, the eastern kingdoms of Albion: Amata, ruled by King Alined, Daobeth, ruled by King Olaf, Gawant, ruled by Lord Godwyn, and Svealand, ruled by King Alrik.

Merlin and Arthur spent many nights together, pouring over books, studying the other kingdoms, figuring out a compromise, a way to ensure true peace.

Merlin never forgot the day he and Arthur traveled to Svealand to obtain a peace treaty. It was like Arthur was in heavenly bliss. Arthur achieved peace through trail by combat, like how kings were selected there. Arthur had refused to use his magic during the fight and Merlin nearly thought Arthur was going to have his head sliced off by Alrik's ax.

Arthur beamed from ear to ear the rest of the evening when he won. "This is how kings should be chosen!" he had told Merlin.

Merlin had disagreed. Kings should be chosen by heart and by brains. Merlin was glad Arthur had more brains than he liked to show off. But he knew that Arthur was a warrior at heart.

He'd seen the carefree look on Arthur's face when he trained, Arthur always seemed so free with a sword in hand.

Now Arthur was missing and the Druids were set to arrive into Camelot tonight.

It wouldn't look good if the king wasn't there to greet them. Arthur had something up in his hands. He's been hiding something from Merlin, running him ragged with errands and kingly business which Arthur trusted him with.

Merlin massaged his temple. He blinked as he realized everyone was staring at him.

He sighed. "Get the castle prepared for tonight. The Druids will arrive soon and we need to be ready for the festival. We're to make peace with them and I won't let Arthur screw this up." He slumped down into his seat. "You know your duties."

Everyone stood and obeyed, heading off for their specific assigned task.

George remained behind.

Merlin stared up at him.

George cleared his throat and left.

Where could Arthur be?

Merlin swore that when he found Arthur, he was going to kill him.

Arthur hacked off the thick vine, creating an open path before him. He grumbled as he walked through a wall of spider webs. He pried the sticky substance from his face.

Eirian snorted and stomped his hooves behind him.

Arthur glanced back with a glare before he stared at the path ahead. "If you're saying this was a bad idea..." he exhaled a heavy sigh, "I'm beginning to agree with you."

What am I doing here?

Merlin was going to kill him.

Don't back out now.

He had to do this.

Arthur thought back to a month ago when Hunith arrived in Camelot, he had accidentally overheard a private conversation between her and Gaius.

Okay, well, truthfully, he eavesdropped.

They were discussing Merlin, how powerful he's become, and Hunith made the offhand comment of how Merlin was growing more powerful than his father and how she wished Merlin's father could be there.

Then he heard the name Balinor, the last Dragonlord:

Arthur bristled and stormed into Gaius' chambers in fury.

Hunith and Gaius shot their heads up in surprise.

Arthur slammed his palm down on the table, knocking the contents over. "Merlin's father is still alive?"

Hunith had recoiled and Arthur had almost felt sorry for her, almost.

Gaius' face turned red. "That conversation was not for your ears. You may be King but..."

"Merlin thinks his father is dead. If this Balinor is still alive, doesn't Merlin deserve to know him?"

"There's a reason why he doesn't!" Gaius snapped.

Arthur took a deep breath, trying to calm his kindling temper. He'd gotten better at handling it during the months as king. He noticed his skin would flare brighter when he was angry and it tended to frighten some people. Like Hunith. His voice was soft, "Don't you think he's old enough to make that choice?"

"It's not Merlin's choice to make," Hunith said. "Balinor chose to leave to protect us, if he came here, if your father ever found out..." She covered her mouth.

"My father?" Arthur had asked.

Gaius sighed and placed a hand on Arthur's shoulders. "Balinor was a Dragonlord, a sorcerer who can speak the ancient tongues of dragons. Uther feared their powers, afraid they would bring the dragons back, so he slaughtered them all, save one."

"Balinor..." Arthur narrowed his eyes. "You helped him escape."

Gaius gave a grim nod. "He took refuge in Ealdor...and then Uther found out."

Arthur winced. "My father is the reason why Merlin never got to know his father?" This time, Arthur stepped back, staring down at his boots. That stung. In a way, Arthur felt responsible for it.

Hunith cupped Arthur's cheeks and lifted his chin so that they were eye-leveled. "You are not him. And you're right. Merlin does deserve to know his father. I thought I was trying to protect him..."

She was trying to protect both Balinor and Merlin.

"Where is he?" Arthur suddenly asked.

Gaius' jaw slacked. "Sire...you don't hope to..."

"Where is he?" Arthur stressed.

"There's only one way to find a dragonlord," Hunith said, tapping Arthur's cheeks with her palms. "You need a dragon."

And thus why Arthur was in the middle of freaking NOWHERE!

He hacked another thick vine and tossed his sword to the ground in frustration. "Kilgharrah gave me bad directions!"

Eirian nickered, it almost sounded like he was laughing.

Arthur shot him a glare once again. He gestured to the path before him. "Do you want to take the lead since you think you know where we're supposed to go?"

Arthur got the sense Eirian smirked at him. That little...

A familiar roar pierced his ears.

Arthur has heard it enough to know that it wasn't Kilgharrah. His sharp eyes caught movement and he gestured to Eirian. "Get down!" he yelled.

A puff of flames billowed above them.

Arthur grabbed his sword and spun up.

A small red dragon, the scales highlighted with gold, flapped its wings above. It reeled its head back.

Arthur tapped into the warmth of the magic within him. The heat of it tingled in his skin. He stared hard at the small dragon: "I am not your enemy."

The dragon blinked and then swallowed its flame attack. It hacked out a puff of smoke.

Arthur chuckled and lowered his sword. He held out a hand to the dragon.

The dragon regarded Arthur with slight suspicion before he edged cautiously toward Arthur.

"Tell me your name," Arthur cooed.

"Pacem," the dragon replied. His voice sounded like a young kid's.

Arthur raised both brows. That meant peace in Latin...why had...

"What are you doing here?" a gruff voice boomed.

Pacem released a sharp shrill and flew back, flapping behind an older scruffy-looking gentleman, his brown-shoulder length hair tousled, his beard somehow trimmed nicely. His clothes looked like they'd hadn't been changed in a couple years.

Within a second, Arthur could see the resemblance to Merlin.

This was Balinor.

Arthur knew he should be worried about the other two dragons hovering behind Balinor.

One had green scales and half the size of Kilgharrah, the other was white, feminine, as small as Pacem.

Arthur held his hands up in a placating manner. "Where did you find those dragons?"

Balinor just stared at Arthur, hard lines in his features.

The silence stretched.

Arthur cleared his throat. "They're beautiful."

Confusion filtered across Balinor's eyes. Hardness filled them once again. "Why are you here?"

"I came here on behalf..."

"You have her eyes," Balinor suddenly interrupted. He uttered something in a rough language. The dragons suddenly perched their heads forward, ready to attack Arthur. "Tell me, Arthur Pendragon, what are you doing here? Have you decided to fulfill your father's last wishes?"

Arthur didn't waver in fear. "I'm here for a friend."

"Friend, is it?" Balinor scoffed.

Eirian stomped closer, ready to protect Arthur.

Balinor's eyes narrowed. "Is that...a unicorn?"

Arthur was thankfully Eirian's horn began to grow back. "His name is Eirian."

Balinor glanced back at Arthur. "Unicorns are independent creatures, they are not meant to be chained to man."

"He is free," Arthur said.

"Forgive me if I do not trust the words of a Pendragon," he snarled.

"Do you trust the words of Hunith?" Arthur said.

Balinor blinked, a crack in his tough demeanor. "Hunith," he whispered. He raised a fist. "What did you do to her? Did you torture her to find me?"

"Oh, don't be a dollophead," Arthur groaned. He slapped his jaw shut as he realized he used a Merlin insult.

Balinor's features softened. He smiled. "That's what she used to call me."

Arthur chuckled. So, that's where Merlin gets it from. "Yeah, her son calls me that a lot."

"She married?" Balinor said. He smiled sadly. "Good for her."

"No. Never did. He's your son," Arthur said.

Balinor released a soft gasp. "I? A son? It's not possible."

"He's one of the most powerful warlock in Albion." Arthur smiled fondly. "My equal. He doesn't know you're alive..." Arthur took a step forward. "Tomorrow I'm planning to swear Merlin into my council as my official Court Sorcerer, it would mean a lot to him if you were there."

"You say he thinks I'm dead," Balinor said. "Keep it that way."

"Balinor," Arthur reached out a hand.

"No!" Balinor returned to an offensive stance. "I vowed to never to return to Camelot. Uther, your tyrant father, wants me dead. He's hunted me down all these years like an animal. If I return, I'll put Hunith at risk, my son!" His voice cracked. "A son I never knew I had...Your father ruined my life, I won't let him ruin theirs."

"He won't..." Arthur started.

Balinor laughed scornfully. "Oh, what would you know, boy? Uther asked me to use my power to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not. He lied to me! He betrayed me. How can I trust your words?"

"Because I am not my father," Arthur said.

"How can I know that?" Balinor cried.

"Kilgharrah," Arthur yelled.

Balinor furrowed his brows.

A dark shadow loomed over them.

Balinor's three dragons shrunk down behind Balinor.

Kilgharrah landed with a heavy thud behind Arthur, shaking the leaves off the trees around them.

"You can trust the words of the Once and Future King," Kilgharrah said.

"Kilgharrah..." Balinor gasped. "How...how did you escape?"

"It was Uther Pendragon's son, the very man who stands before you, who freed me from my chains," the Great Dragon explained.

"I thought you would've succumbed to vengeance..." Balinor whispered.

"I nearly did, if not for the depth of heart this young Pendragon showed me," Kilgharrah said and then he lowered his head to Arthur.

Balinor seemed to look at Arthur for the first time. "Your skin...it's lit with the glow of magic."

Arthur rubbed his arms. "Sorry, I can't exactly turn it off, not since..."

"You swore an oath..." Balinor dropped to his knees. "You're the Ruler of Albion."

"Oh...get up..." Arthur rubbed his brows. "That's not why I'm here."

Balinor rose back to his feet. "No? You have more of your mother in you than you know."

"You knew my mother?"

"I've crossed paths with Ygraine. She was a smart woman. Shame about her death."

"Yeah..." Arthur may have started to get past the fact that she died so that he could be born, yet it still stung. "Thank you."

"Balinor, old friend," Kilgharrah said. "I must ask: where did you find those dragons? I'd thought Uther destroyed the last of my kind."

Balinor grinned. "I've spent the past years searching for dragon eggs. I've hatched three. I was going to grow them to..." his words trailed off as he looked at Arthur.

How could Arthur blame him for that? Uther used Balinor to destroy the dragons. He forced Balinor to run from those he loved. He forced Merlin to grow up without his father.

How can Merlin look at Arthur and not see Uther? How could he not blame him?

"I understand," Arthur said. "I pray that you will seek a different path. Merlin's grown to love Camelot, it's his home."

"Merlin..." Balinor said his name softly as if it was a treasure. "My son? What's he like?"

"Perhaps you would like to meet him?"

"He doesn't know about me?" Balinor said.

Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "I kind of wanted to surprise him."

Balinor's features fell. "I cannot return to Camelot. Not while your father still rules."

Arthur wished he didn't take off his crown for this. "I'm the King of Camelot now. Uther has no power."

"Yet as long as Uther remains alive, Hunith and Merlin will be in danger. I'm sorry, I cannot take that risk."

"Balinor..."

"My son...watch over him for me. Tell him about me," Balinor said. He took a step back.

"No," Arthur said. "You be a man and face your family. You're not protecting them. You're being a coward!"

Balinor shook his head. "I'm sorry..." He stumbled back and disappeared into the forest, his dragons flying after him.

"Balinor!" Arthur bellowed after him. He took a step forward.

"Let him go, my king," Kilgharrah said softly. "I understand where he is coming from. I once, like him, lost my trust in humans. It'll take time for him to open his heart to others."

"How long will it take him to open his heart to his own son?" Arthur grumbled.

"Let him process this. It's a lot to take in."

Arthur sighed. "I was expecting more from him, I mean he is Merlin's..."

Kilgharrah chuckled. "Merlin is a rare person."

Arthur had to agree to that.

"The Druids are just outside the gate!" Sir Kay announced as he stormed into the council room.

Merlin ran his fingers through his hair. "And we're short a king!"

"Maybe they won't notice he's not there," George offered up.

Sir Kay and Merlin both slowly turned to him and blinked.

George shrugged sheepishly and shrank back into the shadows of the pillars.

Merlin pulled at his hair. He inhaled a deep breath. "Okay. It'll be okay, we can do this. I can come up with some short of excuse..."

Sir Kay laughed. "How is it that you easily lied about being a sorcerer, but you're terrible at lying?"

"Apparently, I wasn't that good at lying about it," Merlin grumbled. He placed a hand on his hips and strolled to the window. He exhaled. He straightened the crease in his red tunic and shifted the blue scarf on his neck. It was strange wearing the same things, only nicer.

He wasn't used to dressing as a noble. He wasn't used to being in charge. He was always in the background. Arthur always told him that Merlin slipped quite well into the leadership role.

Merlin figured that he did enough worrying for the both of them.

Arthur always laughed everything away.

Whilst Merlin panicked.

How was it that Arthur didn't have a meltdown yet?

It wasn't like Merlin served in his new position without trouble. The lords and ladies of the court didn't trust him, they scorned him. They couldn't comprehend how a servant suddenly rose to become a member of the council.

Merlin didn't want Arthur to reveal his true role just yet. Camelot now knew him as Arthur's court advisor, but they didn't know his side job: Court Sorcerer.

He wondered when Arthur would finally legalize magic. They've both slowly been getting Camelot to accept it.

The Druids coming here was a big step.

He pitched the bridge of his nose. "Well, we should greet them," Merlin said.

Sir Kay bobbed his head.

While Arthur had Sir Leon and Lady Isolde address to him, Merlin had Sir Kay and Lady Guinevere.

He shook his head. The women hated being called ladies.

And Arthur was somehow charming for calling them Sir Isolde and Sir Guinevere.

Only Arthur.

He bounded down the hallway with Sir Kay and George behind him.

The Citadel was all prepared for the Samhain festival, Merlin wasn't exactly familiar with it. Ealdor wasn't known for celebrating festivals. Arthur had smiled good-naturedly when Merlin said as such. He told Merlin that Uther had discontinued the festivals as it related too much to the Old Religion. He had read about them in his mother's magic book: Annals of Magic.

Cian, the kid sorcerer Arthur had befriended, was excited about it. They were to wear costumes, to guise themselves.

He rushed down through the lower towns, flanked by Sir Kay and George. George had somewhat become his servant as well as Arthur's. He had no idea when that happened.

He deduced it was Arthur's doing.

Merlin panted as he neared the gates.

Arthur had decided that it would be more proper to meet the visitors at the gate and walk with them through Camelot, as a gesture of good faith. He specifically stressed them to do so with the Druids, it would do well for the citizens of Camelot to see their king escorting the druids. Merlin scoffed inwardly. And Arthur wasn't here.

The Knights of the Round Table were gathered in a semi-circle near the gates. Morgana was in front of them, dressed in a proper gown.

"No Arthur?" she asked under her breath.

Merlin shook his head. "I'm going to kill him."

"The Druids approach!" a guard bellowed from the top of the barbican.

A groan echoed and the drawbridge lowered.

A guard at the gate squinted and turned to them. "They're not alone..."

"What?" Morgana hissed.

The guard gasped. "Oh, it's..."

A familiar burst of laughter reached Merlin's ears.

Iseldir walked through the drawbridge, clasping his chest.

He was accompanied by Arthur who was grinning from ear to ear. Merlin was surprised to Arthur dressed in his usual hunting attire. Dirt smeared his cheeks.

Iseldir smacked Arthur's back. "I believe it, my friend."

Merlin smiled. Hearing a druid calling Arthur that...it was a sign things were beginning to change.

Ruadan, the pepper-and-salt bearded council member, trailed in after them, shaking his head in amusement.

"Well...there's Arthur," Gwaine muttered behind him. "And now I have no money for the feast."

"Don't despair, Gwaine," Percival teased. "I'll buy you a bottle of mead."

Merlin rolled his eyes and made a mental note to tease Gwaine to no end tonight. His friend really needed to stop gambling against Arthur.

The rest of the druid clan gathered in like sheep behind them.

Arthur beamed when he caught sight of them. "Merlin!"

Merlin resisted the urge to give Arthur a piece of his mind. There's company after all. He'll kill Arthur later.

Iseldir reached out a hand for Merlin. "Emrys. Glad to see you are well. I hear you've quite surpassed the role as Arthur's advisor."

Merlin rose his brows as he shook Iseldir's hands. "Oh, he said that? Could I get that in writing?" Why was Arthur talking him up to the druids?

Greetings were made and soon the group led the druids toward the Citadel.

Merlin leaned in toward Arthur. "Where have you been?" he demanded in a harsh whisper.

A flicker of sadness crossed Arthur's features. "Took Eirian out for a run. Found the druids on my way back."

Merlin narrowed his gaze. Arthur was hiding something. He'll get it out of him sooner or later.

Eventually, Arthur walked ahead with Iseldir and Morgana.

Merlin wasn't surprised to see that Uther wasn't among them. He prayed that Uther remained civil during the druids' visit.

The citizens of Camelot were out and Merlin was shocked to see a few of them welcoming the members of the druids' clan.

Ruadan joined Merlin's side. "He's grown a long way since his Walk of Atonement."

Merlin was still stiffed about that. "Is he worthy in your eyes yet?"

Ruadan had the grace to look ashamed. "To be honest, I was plotting to kill him. I even had my daughter infiltrate the house of servants in Camelot to work her way up."

Merlin shot his gaze to him. Why was he confessing this to Merlin?

Ruadan chuckled. "Arthur came out and greeted us on a unicorn. Walked the remaining two hours with us, listening to us, inquiring about our culture, our needs, and hearing our stories."

Merlin turned to Arthur and watched as he tilted his head back with a laugh. His skin glimmered in a golden light. He almost looked like a god.

"He's listens, not many kings do that," Ruadan said.

"No...no, they don't."

"He said you taught him to."

But you must learn to listen as well as you fight. It'd been nearly a year since Merlin advised him of that. A year? Has it only been that long?

"He says you're a good influence on him," Ruadan added.

"How long did you guys talk about me out there?"

Ruadan chuckled. "Not too long, if that's what you're worried about."

It wasn't that he was worried. He just wasn't used to being in the spotlight. Sometimes he missed being a servant where no one bothered to cast him a glance. The attention, however, made him grow to understand Arthur. He didn't know how Arthur could've grown up always knowing people were watching you. He continued to stare at Arthur who listened intently to what Morgana was saying.

"You're very protective of him," Ruadan pointed out.

"He's very trusting of people," Merlin said, "I have to watch out for him."

Ruadan laughed. "Yes, he is trusting. Almost like he wants to see the good in everybody."

Merlin creased his brows. "You disapprove?"

He shook his head. "I admire it. For a man who has killed so many, to be able to hold onto that view, it takes courage."

Merlin agreed. Funny how he grew the opposite.

"I feel like I should apologize for my earlier behaviors when we first met, Emrys."

Merlin held up his hand. "You shouldn't. I understand. I wanted to kill Arthur too when we first met."

Ruadan blinked then he laughed. "You and Arthur are more alike than you know. You feed off each other. Iseldir was right. You two are two sides of the same coin."

Merlin blushed. Was everyone going to tell them that now? He glanced back at Arthur. That kiss they shared...nothing really happened since then. Sure, there were hand holdings, secret smiles, inside-jokes, deeper hugs, and long nights, but nothing more.

Merlin wasn't sure exactly what he wanted. He knew in his heart he yearned for more. He yearned for that future he saw in the Crystal Cave.

Every once in a while, Morgana would approach and tell him, "Be patience" or "Stop being such a pig-head."

He wondered what she saw in her dreams.

Whatever it was, Merlin was tired of waiting.

He glanced over and caught sight of Gwaine who feigned a yawn.

Gwaine had told Merlin that he should take life by the balls and go get what he wants. Hell, all the knights kept urging Merlin to do something. We're tired of seeing you guys dance around each other. I just want to scream at you both. You're so obvious! Gwaine had moaned more than once.

Maybe Merlin should take Gwaine's advice.

But...what if Arthur regretted it?

What if Arthur didn't truly feel that way?

Merlin groaned.

They had bigger issues to deal with.

The warm welcome of the Druids in Camelot was first priority.

Merlin sighed.

Camelot would always come before Merlin, wouldn't it?

He understood that. He respected that. He worked hard all year to help the start of Arthur's reign.

He couldn't help but feel as if something was missing, that something wasn't right, like he was meant for something else.

Which was strange because he was always meant to be by Arthur's side, and that in itself felt right.

Ruadan gripped the back of Merlin's neck. "Lighten up. We have a festival to celebrate. Don't worry about Arthur. He's in good company."

Merlin glanced back up at Arthur and knew that Ruadan was right.

Among a group of sorcerers...Arthur was in good company.

How things have changed.

Arthur stared at the ceiling of his chambers.

He'd given up falling asleep a few hours ago.

His nerves were all racked up about today.

Today was the day.

He groaned and rolled onto his side to gaze out his window. The dark sky began to lighten, announcing that the sun was due to arrive above the horizon.

What if the people weren't ready yet?

What if they didn't accept it?

He grumbled and rolled over onto his other side to stare at his door.

What if Merlin frowned upon it?

He wanted Balinor to be here for this.

It would've have made Merlin's day better.

Arthur released a shout.

He pulled back his covers and strolled out of bed. He needed to get away from his thoughts. He knew who would be up right now.

After dressing into a simple tunic and trousers, Arthur found Audrey, the head chef, in the kitchen, getting out the food for the day.

She didn't seem surprised to see him.

The plump chef held a knife out to him and simply said: "Potatoes need chopping."

Arthur graced her with a thankful smile and slipped in, chopping the potatoes into cubes. Or at least, he tried.

Five minutes into it, Audrey grabbed his wrist. "You cut them any smaller they may mistake them for peas."

Arthur lowered the knife onto the table, sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

She squeezed his wrist and rested her hand on the top of his back. "What's bothering you, honey? I haven't seen you this worked up since your first week as a squire."

Arthur writhed his hands. "I'm planning to make a change today, an announcement that will change everything, it's just..." Arthur trailed off.

Audrey stared at him and waited.

He sighed. "It is wrong of me to decide whether or not I deem that I can trust my own people...that they're ready?"

"It's not wrong, it's human," Audrey said. She rubbed his circles on his back.

Arthur stared at the finely chopped potatoes. "Maybe a year is too soon."

Audrey bit her lower lip, debating at something. Finally, she said, "Did you know that a few years after your mother died, the people secretly plotted to overthrow your father?"

Arthur blinked. No, he did not know that. He always thought the people respected his father.

"Many of them disagreed with his war against magic. Those that did voice it loudly were ruled as conspiring with magic and killed."

Even innocent non-magic users were killed. Father, how much blood did you spill? Do you even regret them?

"We decided to hold off on it when we first saw you running through the streets of Camelot. You were the light in the darkness that gave us hope, and thus we placed our hope in you and waited patiently." She chuckled and rubbed a finger on his forearm, the light of his magic on his skin sparkled as she did so. "It's funny that you glow. Do you know what we secretly used to call you?"

Arthur shook his head.

"Lleu, in the ancient tongues it means Light. Whatever it is you decide to do, trust your people. We've held our trust in you after all these years, my boy, and let me tell you, it never once wavered."

A weight on his chest suddenly lifted. He sighed and smiled. "I needed that, Audrey. Thank you."

"Thank you, for having the courage to be true to yourself."

And Arthur knew right then and there, he had to go through with it. He was a warrior, tomorrow might be his last day, and by gods, he needed to have the courage to do what needed to be done.

He helped Audrey in the kitchen and listened to her stories on her boys before her helpers came and relieved him.

George was waiting for him outside the kitchens. He held up an apple.

"Don't tell me I'm getting predictable, George," Arthur said.

George shrugged. "Only a little. Yesterday forced me to be on my toes."

"Good," Arthur teased.

George tossed him the apple and Arthur caught it. They walked down the corridor.

"Is everything all prepared up in my chambers?" Arthur said.

George nodded. "Your clothes are laid out and ready to go."

"Did you look over my speech?"

"Sire..." He cleared his throat. "Arthur...it's perfect. He'll be honored."

Arthur took a bite out of his apple. In the midst of chewing, he said, "Are the druids settled in?"

"Yes."

"Are..."

"Oh, will you stop it? Worrying is Merlin's job!" George griped.

Arthur smiled. He liked this side of George better. "Today's the day, George. Does Merlin have any idea?"

George grinned. "Not a clue."

"Perfect."

He spent the early mornings training with his knights. He bathed afterwards and dressed himself.

He ordered George to attend to Merlin. Today was about Merlin.

Arthur adjusted his red cape, his hands shook from nervousness. Or was it excitement?

There was a knock on his door.

"Enter."

Guinevere poked her head in the doorway. "Morgana wanted me to check to see if you could dress yourself."

"I'm perfectly capable," Arthur shot back.

Gwen smiled and strolled into the room, wearing her knight attire. Her hair was pulled back into a bun. She hid a smile behind a hand and stifled a laugh.

He rose a brow at her.

"Your cape is tucked inside your trousers."

What? How did he manage that? He glanced down and tried to pry a look at his behind.

Gwen came into the room and pulled his red cape free. She straightened it across his shoulders and flattened the creases. "I won't tell her," she said.

"She wouldn't have let me lived it down," Arthur said.

He turned to face her. It still took some use seeing her dressed in chainmail and a sword at her hip. Somehow, she figured out a way to make them lighter on the females. A couple months ago, Arthur finally combined the male and female knights into one branch. The transition went smoothly.

Pride swelled in her eyes. "Today is the day, isn't it?"

Arthur nodded. "Does Merlin..."

"Clueless."

Arthur sagged in relief. "Good." A dark thought crossed his mind. "Father...I'm worried..."

"Uther won't be a problem."

"You didn't disposed of him, did you?"

Gwen chuckled. "I did nothing of the short. You're King, Arthur. Uther already had his time."

"But this...I'll be destroying everything he ever built...I can't help but feel like I'm betraying him."

Gwen sighed. "Arthur. In life, you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think you don't. Don't let Uther push you into thinking you have no choice."

Arthur pursed his lips. "When did the people around me start to get so wise?"

Gwen wrapped a stray hair around her ear. "You were always so thick, you're just now realizing it."

"Oh, that's nice," Arthur said. "Thanks."

She laughed. Her features fell and she adjusted the strap of his cape. "I know the lesson he instilled in you growing up: Camelot comes before all else." Gwen stared at him. "And that's what you're doing."

Arthur smiled.

"Camelot has long waited for this day, Arthur. Do what your hearts tells you."

"I know...it's just..."

"You can't wait around forever for him to give you what you want. Uther's proud of you. But don't let that be your motivation. He sees the world how he wants to see it, not how it is."

Arthur knew she was right. "He's not my motivation."

Gwen quirked a smile. "That much is obvious. Merlin is."

Heat flushed Arthur's cheeks.

"He's not going to wait around forever, Arthur," Gwen said.

Arthur grumbled. "I know. I have a kingdom to look after, how can I give Merlin what he deserves when Camelot demands my full attention?"

"He knows that. I've seen the fleeting glances you guys send each other when the other's not looking. Give him small moments. You'll be surprised how much they'd grow."

Arthur nodded, knowing how right she was. In truth, he was scared. It was easier to give himself to his kingdom than it was to give himself entirely to another person. He knew the depths of his feelings to Merlin. Hell, he traveled to the edge of the kingdom to find Merlin's father for this! Why was he afraid to do something about it? More importantly, what was he afraid of?

He knew Gwen was giving him a slight warning. She was Merlin's best friend after all.

She gestured to the doorway with her head. "Let's get to the throne room early. You don't want to give Merlin another meltdown like yesterday."

Arthur grimaced. He heard from the others how much stress he placed Merlin throughout yesterday. He felt bad about it. At the same time, he wished he was there to see it.

Not today though.

Today was about Merlin.

"Lead the way," Arthur said.

And he prayed to the gods everything would go perfect today.

"No, no, no," Merlin said gently. He cupped Morgana's hands together and held them there. "Just...don't overthink it, Morgana. You're forcing it too much. It's a simple act of breathing, don't even think about it."

Morgana inhale a deep breath.

Merlin released his hands from hers. "Just...let it out."

"Gewyrc an lif," she whispered. She opened her hands and a glowing purple rose spiraled opened in her palms.

She released a gleeful laugh. "I did it!"

Merlin beamed.

Her magic wasn't as strong as his, but it was growing every day. He enjoyed teaching her. In a way, it helped him learn and grow.

"You're getting better," Merlin remarked.

Morgana blew the magical rose away. "It's all in thanks to you, Merlin. You've helped me accept the magic inside me."

"I'm sorry I never said anything earlier. I suspected..."

"Don't blame yourself."

Merlin rose from the seat of her bed and stretched his arms. He faced her. "Do you still get them? Your nightmares?"

Her chin jerked upward as she thought about it. "From time to time. It's not as bad as it used to be. I'm sleeping better. I think releasing my magic and not keeping inside of me helped."

It was an interesting theory. Her nightmares had been growing the last several years and yet when Merlin started training her with magic, she began to sleep through the night.

Her gaze stared off into the distance. "I had one a couple weeks ago...it was strange."

"What was it?"

She flicked her gaze up at him. "Darkness. I didn't see much. I heard screams. Wrecked sobs. Voices crying for help. I thought I heard Arthur."

This perked Merlin on high alert. "You did?"

She blinked and shook her head. "Not all of my nightmares come true, Merlin. Not lately." She stood and grasped his hands. "Like you told me once, it's better to hold onto hope."

Bruta had taught him that. The man who Arthur had incarnated from. The Once King of Albion. Arthur was the Future King. Merlin fret to know what that meant.

He didn't want to fret on that. No. He wanted to hold onto that peaceful future he saw. Better to hold onto a fool's hope.

He smiled. "You're right."

Her eyes widened. "We best move it. We can't be late for Arthur's meeting. He's giving an addressment to the court today."

Merlin still didn't understood why she forced him to wear his nicer noble clothes. The purple-red gambeson he had on itched. He deduced it was because of the Druids' company.

They headed for the throne room and entered to see the other nobles had gathered, as well as the druid council, Arthur's council and the Knights of the Round Table. Merlin noticed his mother stood up near the front with Gaius and Geoffrey. That's strange. Huh. Arthur was probably being polite and invited her.

Now he had to listen to the prat drone on about the Samhain festival. He was glad George helped write the speech this time. For a man who gave great impromptu speeches before battle, Arthur sucked at writing them.

"Stand ready for King Arthur," Sir Leon announced from the doors.

Arthur strolled in, walking down the aisle with his red cape billowing behind him. The golden band of his Camelot crown rested upon his head instead of the Albion wreath.

He caught Merlin's gaze and gave him a wink.

Warmth spread across Merlin's chest and he shifted on his feet.

Arthur approached the dais and turned toward the crowd. "Thank you all for coming." He cleared his throat and glanced around the room. He inhaled a deep breath.

Merlin wondered if Arthur was going to screw up again on his speech. The knights always gave him a hard time afterwards.

He stared at Merlin. "I'm sure many of you are familiar with the Samhain festival. It is a time of one last celebration before the darkest time of our year, it marks the end of harvest, and the start of the new year in the Old Religion. There's another tradition celebrated that will take a main part of our festivities in the next few days."

Merlin found himself paying attention. He wasn't familiar with Samhain and he was curious to see where Arthur went with this.

"Samhain is a time to honor our ancestors and where we came from. Camelot was forged from the aftermath of a civil war that brewed these lands many years ago. People of all built this kingdom. From Svealand, from Caerleon, from Mercia. Most of all, magic created the very fiber of this kingdom. Magic was used to grow our crops, strengthened our walls, heal the sick and injured, build homes, and Camelot flourished by its use."

Merlin's heart began to thump.

Arthur stood a bit straighter. "Today, I announce that I repeal the ban on magic. From this day henceforth, magic will now be free to practice in Camelot."

There were some sharp inhales, a few scattered mutters, and mostly surprised relief sounded around Merlin.

What just happened?

Magic was now legalized?

Arthur held up his hands and the room silenced. "My knights have been given the details of the law, my council gives me full support," what council? Merlin wasn't even aware of this, "and this is a day that has been long coming. It's time to end this war against magic. It's gone on for far too long."

Tears welled up in Merlin's eyes.

He no longer had to hide.

He felt his mother lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Those who use magic will be judged according as those who wield a sword. They will only be trailed if used for ill."

Arthur smiled. "Which brings me to my next segment." He held out a hand. "Merlin, will you step forward, please?"

Merlin resisted the urge to point a finger at himself. Me? Why?

His mother gave him a slight nudge and Merlin walked down to the dais.

"Even though magic was outlawed, Merlin secretly used it to protect this kingdom and its people. He knows magic better than anyone, and he will be given the first position on my council as Court Sorcerer."

Arthur motioned for him to kneel, which Merlin did so.

Gwen came out from the side door behind the throne and handed Arthur a long length of fabric.

Arthur took it and draped a silk red-purple robe around Merlin's shoulder. Merlin slipped his arms through the sleeves, it felt so smooth and light.

He noticed the golden stitching of a falcon on the shoulder patches. Arthur had this made for him? It was like a dream, was this truly happening?

Arthur beamed with pride. "Rise, Merlin. Henceforth you will be known as Merlin, Court Sorcerer of Camelot."

Merlin rose and turned around to face the crowd.

"Hail, Lord Merlin!" Gwaine was the first to cheer.

"Hail, Lord Merlin! Hail, Lord Merlin!"

Merlin caught sight of his mother, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Gaius grinned and clapped his hands.

Merlin chuckled as Sir Kay blew out a whistle with his fingers.

"Hail, Lord Merlin!" King Arthur cried behind him.

Merlin stole a glance over his shoulder at Arthur who grinned so widely.

He couldn't believe that prat took him off guard.

Was this what he was secretly planning all along?

"Embrace this day, Merlin," Gwen said into his ear. "This is all about you."

Afterwards, Hunith had ushered him and Merlin to Gaius' chambers and proceeded to squeeze a massive hug out of Arthur.

Arthur tried to huff out a breath. He caught his crown as she pulled back. She cupped her hands around his cheeks before she turned to Merlin and squeezed him into a hug.

"I'm so proud of you," she exclaimed. "I've long waited for this day where you wouldn't have to hide in fear."

"Moth—ugh!" Merlin cried out.

Arthur chuckled. He felt a slight pang, wishing it were his mother sharing her enthusiasm along with Hunith. Would she have reacted like this? He placed his crown back on his head.

Hunith pulled free to reveal tears streamed upon her cheeks. She wiped at them with a laugh. She turned to Arthur.

"Thank you...for having the courage, and for naming him..."

Arthur smiled. "He deserves it."

He and Merlin locked eyes.

This time, Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur and plastered a kiss on his lips.

Arthur returned it with passion.

They pulled back and Merlin shook his head at him. "I can't believe you kept it a secret."

Arthur laughed. "Worth to see that priceless expression on your face."
"Ha. Right."

Arthur turned serious. "You're my equal, Merlin. Everything you've done for me...You deserve that position and more."

Merlin grinned and tugged at his robe. "I like this."

"So do I!" Hunith exclaimed and she rubbed her hand against the fabric. "It's beautiful. You put a lot of thought into this, didn't you, Arthur?"

"Well, I figured he'd turn me into a toad if I made him wear a pointy hat and bright blue robe," Arthur teased.

Merlin glared. "You're wrong. I know how vain you are. I would've covered your face in pimples."

"Oh?" Arthur laughed. He smacked Merlin on the arm.

Hunith covered a smile with her hand, glancing between them with a knowing look.

Arthur caught movement near Merlin's door. His hand immediately shot down to the pommel of his sword.

Merlin spun on his heels, fireball in hand.

Arthur gasped the same time as Hunith. They recognized him.

"Balinor?" Hunith cried. "Is that you?"

He stepped forward from the shadows, looking as every bit as he did since Arthur left him.

The fireball disappeared from Merlin's hand as he lowered it. "Balinor?" he echoed. Then his eyebrows rose. "Father?" He blinked. "I thought you were..."

Arthur took a step back, feeling like he was intruding on a private moment.

"I know. Your friend told me."

Merlin turned to Arthur. "What? You..."

"He convinced me it was safe to return, and he was right," Balinor said. He went to move forward but froze, uncertain on what to do.

Merlin faced his father. "Safe?"

Arthur averted his gaze to the floor.

"Uther had been hunting for me. I'm a Dragonlord. He used me to slaughter the dragons and imprison Kilgharrah. It's no excuse, but..." Balinor inhaled a deep breath, "I didn't want to put you in danger."

Hunith said, "You've been gone for so long, I'd assume..." Arthur glanced up and watched as Hunith stormed forth to pull him into an embrace. "Oh, Balinor."

Merlin walked forward, hesitant.

Hunith reached out and yanked Merlin in.

Arthur smiled softly.

Merlin's family was reunited.

This was a moment he had to leave to them. He slowly stepped back and Hunith's quiet sobs of happiness hit his ears as he slipped out of the doorway.

He rested by the door, happy for Merlin.

Today was Merlin's day.

Merlin got everything he ever wanted: freedom, a high status and recognition that he deserved, and his father back.

Arthur tried to push down that slight twitch of jealousy. No. He was going to be happy for Merlin. Merlin deserved this a hundred times over. Arthur wouldn't take that away from him.

He headed up to his chambers for a quick change before he headed back down to the festivities. He opened his chamber doors and slid to a halt.

"Father..." Arthur held back his surprise. He shouldn't have been, really. This was his father.

Uther turned from the windowsill and glared at Arthur. "You legalize magic?"

Arthur inhaled a deep breath, preparing himself for the onslaught.

"You repeal the ban on magic? I should have never stepped down. You are destroying everything I've built!" Uther bellowed.

Arthur felt a wave of defenses rise up and then immediately dispersed as he sighed. His shoulder sagged and he tossed his crown onto the table. "I'm tired of this. Look at yourself, Father. When will you finally let go of your hate?"

"Hate? It stems from strength in defending this kingdom against evil!"

"No. Your hatred stems from fear."

Uther blinked, visibly rattled. He snarled. "How dare you!"

Arthur rubbed his temples and leaned against the edge of his desk. He chuckled to himself. "You know, I've always strived to make you proud."

"How can I be proud of a son who is ignoring everything I taught?" He ran his hand across his head. "Destroying my legacy?"

And yet you cry over my fallen body? "Your legacy had already been created and written, Father." He held his chin up. "I'm creating my legacy now."

"And trust me, it will be one not worthy of remembrance," Uther snapped. He stormed out of the room and slammed the doors behind him.

Arthur squeezed his eyes shut and tried to push down the prickling stab of emotions in his chest. Why did he care what his father thought of him? It was apparent that Uther never truly knew him. Or maybe he did, and he's angry he could no longer control Arthur like a puppet.

Arthur took off his cape and draped it on the back of his chair. He inhaled a deep breath and wrapped his fingers around the arm rest. He may have a father, but in that moment, Arthur felt like he had no family.

No mother.

No father.

He was truly alone.

All he ever wanted was a real family. A mother who ran her fingers through his hair and whispered encouragement. A father who smacked his shoulder and beamed with pride.

Arthur was the child responsible for his mother's life, and a monster who his father couldn't bear to look at.

Arthur wished he could kill the child that still lived inside him, who wanted these things. He was a King. Kings weren't supposed to be this weak.

But Arthur couldn't dare bring himself to kill the child in his heart, because then he feared he'd end up like his father, and that was a fate he didn't want.

Arthur returned to the party in the feasting room. Everyone was in a happy and festive mood. Gwaine and Percival hoisted pints of mead and shouted out a cheer for everything before they took a chug.

Tristan and Isolde danced together with the druid children.

Lancelot, Elyan, and Guinevere talked among themselves, throwing back a laughter every now and then.

Sir Leon and Sir Kay were talking animatedly with Gaius and Geoffrey, smiles everywhere.

Arthur found Merlin, beaming with such happiness that he'd never seen before. He was at the back of the room, with Hunith and Iseldir.

Hell, even the servants looked happy.

Arthur forced a smile as Sir Leon caught sight of him. He gave a nod and held up his goblet of wine.

The second Leon looked away, he chugged the entire contents.

"Arthur?" A voice whispered behind him.

Arthur glanced back at Sir Bedevere. He was in charge of the guard rounds tonight. "What is it?"

"You have visitors in the throne room. They said it was most urgent."

Arthur stiffened. "Lead the way."

"Sire...I don't trust them. I'll watch your back from the shadows."

He narrowed his eyes. Uther would say not to trust decisions from others. A King ruled alone. He slapped Sir Bedevere's shoulder. "I will take that under advisement. Thank you for guarding my back."
Sir Bedevere reeled his head back and then smiled. "Always, Arthur."

Arthur disappeared from the festival before others could notice. The throne room was dark, save for five torches spread throughout.

Sir Bedevere stayed up by the throne doors, with Sir William and Sir Fred.

Light from Arthur's skin shone into the room, illuminating on the two figures who stood in the center.

One was a woman, dressed in chainmail, with long blonde hair and dangerous eyes.

The other was a taller man, with shoulder-length slicked black hair. Arthur squinted. He looked familiar, was that, "Uncle Agravaine?"

He seen him a few times as a kid and Uther made Arthur vow never to be alone in a room with him. He never truly understood. As a kid, Uncle Agravaine always told Arthur: "You are all that is left of my dear sister. If I betray you, I'd betray her, and that I will never do."

Yet Arthur knew the real truth the second Agravaine flickered his gaze upon Arthur, he looked like a snake that wanted to kill him.

"May I inquire the reason of your presences?" Arthur demanded.

"A little boy who speaks like a proper King," the woman chortled. Her smile was like a worm. She held up a hand to her chest. "I'm do humbly apologize for taking your away from your feast. You do have a lot to celebrate I'm sure."

Arthur resisted the urge to reach down for his sword, instead he tightened his hold on his magic. Land of Albion, grant me your sharp eyes, he pleaded.

His skin glittered.

The woman laughed scornfully. "A mighty Pendragon with magic. Is that why you decided to legalize it? To protect your own little hide?"

"Who are you?" Arthur snarled. How dare she come in here and insult him in his own kingdom?

"Morgause, boy." She flashed her teeth at him. "I'm going to be the one responsible for the downfall of your kingdom."

"Oh? You are?" Arthur taunted. Yet he listened. His eyes watched Agravaine and Morgause closely. His magic sparked with heat inside his chest. "Let me guess, Agravaine, you want revenge upon Camelot? On me? You sister's own son?"

Agravaine scoffed. "You're no son of hers. You're a sniveling little monster Uther created that crawled out of her and killed her."

Those words hit Arthur like getting knocked off his horse. He didn't show it. "I'm sorry you feel that way." He turned to Morgause. "Are you here to tell me how you destroy Camelot?"

She smirked. "Why, that would ruin all the surprise."
"Yet here you are revealing the biggest of all. Why warn me?"

"Warn?" She laughed like a hyena this time. "Oh, Arthur, I'm not here to warn you."

He slipped his magic into his words as he demanded of her: "Pray tell me, what are you here for?"

"To manipulate you into my trap," she cooed.

Agravaine snapped his head toward her, with brows raised.

She didn't notice and Arthur decided not to push too much on his magic. He didn't want them to know the true extent of his powers. Yet he could easily tell them to drop dead right now. Just one simple word: Die. It could solve all his problems.

"Trap?" Arthur folded his arms. "You want me to play into your hands?"

"You already are. King Arthur, you may not see it now but if you send scouts, you'll learn that you're completely surrounded. By my army. Agravaine's army. And Cenred's army. There's nowhere for you to run. Just surrender and spare Camelot the bloodshed."

"And how do I know you'll spare my people if I surrender Camelot?"

"Ah, a sharp one. Pity. The truth is you don't."

Arthur stared at her. "Why? What did I ever do to you?"

Anger flashed through her eyes. "You insolent child. Your birth resulted in destruction and death of everyone I knew and loved. You grew up all spoiled and happy, the reason for the death of my loved ones. I spent most of my life on the run, hunted, despised for who I was! If it weren't for you...You're no better than your father. You're worst. Like Agravaine said, you're the monster. Look at you. A glittering evil monster."

"What happened to your..." Arthur started.

"Spare me," Morgause said. She huffed. "Your people may not see you for who you really are, but I do. I will ensure that you will end up watching everyone you love slaughtered before you, the very kingdom you've built, destroyed. That is my gift to you."

"What can I do to ensure no bloodshed?" Arthur asked. His head answered for him: Use your magic. Kill them. What are you waiting for?

Morgause sneered. "You fool. I want the bloodshed." She raised a hand and touched Arthur's shoulder. "Magic will reign in this world once again. Just not what you expect. I vow to kill every last non-magic user."

Arthur stepped back from her hold.

She chuckled. "Oh. Look at you. A magic user. I guess you shouldn't worry. You're safe." Gold flashed through her eyes. "Trust me, Arthur. There's a fate worse than death, and I'll ensure you'll have the worst there is. I'll make you King of the Fallen Kingdoms."

"It's almost ironic you're celebrating Samhain," Agravaine added. "Rejoicing the approaching darkness."

A brief wind spun before Arthur. She and Agravaine teleported from the throne room.

Arthur stood in the darkness, shaking, disturbed by their words. A dark dread settled into Arthur's stomach.

War was coming.

And Arthur feared for the oncoming horrors Albion would face.