Spoiler Note: This part contains some spoilers from season 4, episodes 3 and 4. Spoilers are some wording and some facts.

Standing tall and regal at the balcony edge, the Crown Prince Arthur looks out at the people gathered in the Courtyard before turning for a brief glance at his husband, his mother-in-law, and his child. The eulogy wasn't going to be easy, but at least he had his family for support. Looking back to the people gathered below, Arthur clears his throat.

"Good people of Camelot, we gather to share the lost a great King, a great leader, and a great man who worked tirelessly for the kingdom and its people. And while you have lost a beloved King, I have lost a father." Arthur begins as he addresses the people of Camelot in what is to be the formal end to the week of mourning for King Uther.

Merlin stands off to the side on the balcony over the courtyard, offering silent support to the Crown Prince in what was a very difficult speech. His face reflects the appropriate hint of grief and sadness that is expected of a member of the royal family. Certainly funerals were somber events that very few actually enjoyed attending. Morbid as it might be, there were a number of people celebrating this day.

"Good people of Camelot, we gather this day to celebrate the death of an oppressor, a destroyer of families and lives, and a ruthless cruel man who ruthlessly squashed the lives of thousands who dared to possess magic." These words are not spoken, nor are they written. To say such things at this time would only bring pain to Uther's son and pain for those who would be reminded of their losses at the Kings hands. Shifting his feet, the Prince Consort turns his head to glance at his mother standing beside him. In that moment he thinks of Balinor and how little time they'd had together.

"In his lifetime Uther Pendragon was noble, strong, and regal that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set for himself. He sought to return Balance to the world, to restore all that was good and peaceful while vanquishing the evils that threatened those he governed. To his last breath, he fought long and hard to bring safety to the people of Camelot. These were difficult undertakings that were heavy with risk." Pausing his words a moment, Arthur focuses on the faces of the people that depended upon the choices made by their King.

As the Crown Prince pauses his speech, the unspoken eulogy continues in Merlin's thoughts.

"Overcome by grief and madness Uther Pendragon blamed innocents for his losses and failures. He killed children for the sin of having a parent with Magic. He mercilessly killed parents for magic that served families and their neighbors. Punishing many for the imbalance caused by a few, Uther had sent the world into chaos as the hope for balance was driven further out of balance. Those who might have practiced safe and helpful magic were forced to fight or flee to assure their very existence. The risks the King faced were risks created by his own prejudice."

A tear escapes Merlin's eyes as Arthur continues his speech about his father. So many good people had died.

William begins to sing his sounds and Merlin turns his gaze to look past his mother to view the child. For the sake of this child Uther had begun to change in the days before William's birth. And then the King had finally released Magic back into the world in the days after his grandson's birth. It had looked brighter, but before Uther could do anything more in an effort to make up for the sins of his past Morgana had killed the King. While she might now selfishly find healing, would Camelot recover? Hate had run amok with fear over the decades. The emotional wounds were still raw.

Teresa shifts William's position and the boy ends his cooing song in favor of staring at his blonde headed father while wiggling. At nearly fifteen weeks old Merlin was grateful that his son wasn't in a laughing mood.

Turning his gaze back to Arthur, Merlin catches the ending words of the speech. "The time for grief is passed. King Uther would not want you to dwell upon what is lost but instead what lays ahead. He would want to see a prosperous Kingdom with a thriving population. A strong and growing kingdom will be the tribute that would have made King Uther proud."

Sounds of approval rise up from the courtyard as Arthur turns and heads towards the entrance into the castle. With a glance, Arthur beckon's Merlin to follow him inside. Without a word, Hunith and Teresa follow, carrying the young prince.

"That felt longer than I'm sure it was." Merlin says as he catches up with his husband.

"I can't see how." Arthur says with a frown. "You didn't pay attention to a word I said."

"You practiced the speech on me." Merlin says defensively. "I've heard it before."

"At least you managed to disguise your inattention." Arthur comments as he pauses outside the Nanny's chambers. Taking William from Teresa the Crown Prince places a kiss on each of William's cheek before handing him to Merlin. The Warlock repeats the kisses to his son's cheeks before giving the child to Hunith. "If I can manage to escape the banquet, I'll collect him this evening." The Prince Consort says with a smile.

"Let me have my time as his grandmother," Hunith says as she smiles at William. "You both have so much to do over the next day and I'd love to spend some time with this handsome young man."

"Listen to your mother Merlin," Arthur says as he lifts a hand to settle upon the Warlock's shoulder. "William won't understand the increased activity and confusion that is bound to be present with the coronation and our move into the royal suites."

Rolling his eyes, Merlin looks into William's cheerful face. "That's your father's way of saying that he's going to be a Prat over the next day or so. It's a good thing that he loves you enough to spare you." Merlin says in a teasing tone and a sideways glance towards Arthur.

"Merlin." Hunith says with a slightly scolding tone.

"Do you see how your son treats me?" Arthur says in an injured tone while dropping his hand to his side.

Opening her mouth to say something, Hunith looks over Arthur's shoulder and closes her mouth. Confused and curious, both Merlin and Arthur turn in the direction that the elder lady is looking.

"Forgive my interruption My Lords, and Lady." Iseldir says with a slight bow of his head. "I was hoping for a moment to speak with the Prince Consort." When the Druid rises to his full height, he watches Merlin before silently adding without speaking, "Lord Emrys, I have a gift that will aid you in your efforts to heal magic in the land."

"Is this something that cannot be spoken aloud?" Merlin asks with his mind, offering nothing outward but a raised brow.

"It can be, but it might be best to consider all facts before revealing the existence of a lost dragon egg." Iseldir says with his mind.

The impact is instantaneous and Merlin's eyes grow wide with surprise. Seeing the expression, Arthur looks from his husband to the Druid Chieftain, then back again. "Merlin, you're doing that mind talking thing that you said that you can do with some Druid's, aren't you?" Arthur asks suspiciously.

"Um, yes." Merlin replies with hesitation. "It's about Magic. I'm sure it isn't anything of interest to you."

"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you." Arthur says with honesty. Looking to the Druid, the Crown Prince sweeps a hand towards the door at the end of the hall. "If you would care to join us, then perhaps we can all sit down to talk." Upon issuing the invitation, the Crown Prince starts down the hall towards his chambers fully expecting his husband and their guest to follow.

"As you wish my Lord." Iseldir says with a slight nod of his head. Pausing a moment, he glances at the Warlock.

"There are few secrets between Arthur and I." Merlin tells Iseldir with his mind. Turning to his mother, Merlin leans towards her and kisses her cheek. "We'll talk later, Mother. Thank you for seeing to William." He says aloud in a low voice before turning and hurrying to catch up with his husband and the Druid Chieftain.

Once inside the chambers, Arthur heads towards the table. Lifting the pitcher of wine towards the Druid, Arthur asks, "Care for a drink?" Arthur asks before he turns to Merlin, lifting a brow in question about the wine. Merlin quickly shakes his head.

"Thank you, but no, My Lord." Iseldir says respectfully.

"You made mention of a dragon egg." Merlin prompted as he rests his hands on the back of a chair.

"Are you talking about the story about the egg in the tomb of Ashkanar?" Arthur asks as he pours himself a goblet of wine. "My father told me stories about it." He adds in response to Merlin's look of surprise.

"If you know the story of Ashkanar," Iseldir says as he draws his hands behind his back. "then you know of the key."

"We have a third of the Triskelion in our vault." Arthur says as he lifts the goblet to his lips. "Where the other two parts are, I have no idea."

Iseldir draws his hands forward, tucking one inside his cloak, only to withdraw an item and hold it out for The Crown Prince and the Warlock to see. "The Druid's have held the Triskelion for several hundred years."

Stepping forward, Merlin eyes the object curiously. "May I?" Merlin asks with a glance at the Druid Chieftian. When a confirming nod is received, the Warlock takes it and carefully examines it. "If it is one of three, and the location of only two pieces is known, how can it hope to help to heal the Magic of the land?"

"I cannot say what I don't know." Iseldir says with a tilt of his head. "Legend says that Ashkanar was a wise man, and he knew one day someone would come to disturb his rest. It also says that the Triskelion is not just a key, it is also a trap. And finally, when the way ahead seems impossible, you will have found it."

"Is there something about magical people and things that require riddles or mystery?" Arthur says with a shake of his head. "I don't know how you manage keeping your patience with this Merlin. I'm finding it gives me a headache." Sitting down and lifting the goblet to his lips, the Crown Prince eyes his husband. "I suppose you'll want to run off to talk with your dragon friend to see if there is some way to resolve this riddle." He makes a statement rather than to ask a question.

"I most likely will want to do so." Merlin replies. Turning to the Druid, Merlin tilts his head slightly. "You said this was a gift?"

"It is." Iseldir says with a nod. "You and you alone can use both the key and that which can be found in the tomb. In your hands we know it will be used wisely."

"Then I thank you." Merlin says with a wide smile.

The Druid Iseldir moves to the door as he prepares to leave. "No thanks are needed Lord Emrys." He says with a bow towards the Prince Consort. "I wish you well in your endeavors, My Lords." With that the Druid Chieftain opens the door and disappears out the door.

"Tell me you're not going to visit your dragon friend tonight." Arthur says more in a commanding voice than in question.

"No I wasn't planning on visiting Kilgharrah tonight. Nor was I planning on visiting tomorrow for that matter." Merlin says as he looks down at the object in his hands. "I do have some sense."

"On occasion you do surprise me." Arthur says as he hides his smile with the goblet of wine held to his lips. "And then there are times that you actually intimidate me." Sitting his goblet down on the table, Arthur rises to his feet and approaches Merlin. "Now is not one of those times." He adds arrogantly.

Backing up slightly, the Warlock places the Triskelion on the table near the door. "You don't intimidate me Arthur Pendragon." Merlin says as he turns to lock the door. "And don't think that I don't know that look." He says with a laugh that almost sounded like a giggle as he moves from the door and a little further from the stalking Prince.

"Really, Mer-lin." Arthur says smugly. "Exactly what look are you talking about?"

"You know what I mean. It's the same look you get when hunting just before you bring down your prey." Merlin says with a half-smile. "It's the same look you get when you're dinner's served late. And….."

Moving quick, Arthur practically pounces on Merlin, enveloping him into a warm embrace. "And I'm sure it's the same look I get when I'm about to bring my husband to his knees with a kiss." Lowering his head, the Crown Prince lightly brushes his lips against Merlin's. Opening his mouth slightly, the stronger of the two darts his tongue out to gently trace the Warlock's lips. Tilting his head slight, Arthur suddenly plunges his tongue into Merlin's mouth.

Kissing Arthur back with an ever present hunger, Merlin can't stop the tears that begin to fall.

.

.

The mood of the feast is subdued despite the perfection of the foods presented. Those present eat and drink without celebration while they talk quietly about personal memories of King Uther. It is a time for mourning and remembrance.

"I would say that the trip was successful, with the exception of a minor skirmish on our return home. There are a few things that will be addressed when I have an opportunity to present the information to council." Merlin comments to the Lords Braswell and Hembrok after their inquiry about Merlin's trip to the villages of Aberdare, Uantrisant, Brackwood, Blaenanon, and Crickhowell. "But all things considered, it'll probably be next week at the earliest."

"What things are needed?" Lord Braswell asks leaning towards the Prince Consort. "Certainly it can't be anything critical since this seems to be the first we've heard of any village in need of anything."

"There was a skirmish on your trip?" Arthur says, turning his attention to Merlin's conversation.

Furrowing his brow and paling slightly, Merlin looked to Arthur and then to Sir Leon. "I had intended to report everything to the King when we returned, including the details of our encounter. As it was, it was minor and our Knight's took a few injuries with Sir Percival having the worst with his broken leg."

"The matters here in Camelot took precedence Sire," Sir Leon says, joining into the conversation. "And as the Prince Consort said is among the facts that were to be presented in Council."

"Apparently there are a few things that will be addressed regarding the trip as well." Lord Hembrok says as he leans forward so his voice would carry down the table. "Certainly there is no harm in discussing the matter privately in advance."

"What is to be reported to council will not be reported to a few." Arthur says flatly as he looks from Braswell to Hembrok. "I think you will both agree that my father's decision on that matter held purpose enough to be continued under my own rule."

Both men lowered their gaze, "Of course, Sire." They say in unison.

Clearing his throat, Merlin pushes back in his chair "I fear that the day has possibly been too much for me. If you will forgive me, I think I'll head back to my chambers." Merlin says apologetically as he rises to his feet. "Sire," he says nodding his head towards Arthur who was in turn was staring at him with a little concern. "My Lords." He adds with a nod to the Lords Braswell and Hembrok. "I bid you all good night."

A moment after Merlin steps out of the Great Hall, Gaius rises. "If you'll excuse me, I have a few matters that need taken care before I can get to sleep." The Court Physician says as he catches Arthur's eyes, silently hinting that one of the things that would be taken care of would be to check on the Prince Consort.

Hurrying out of the Great Hall, Gaius follows the path that Merlin would be taking to return to the Crown Prince's chambers. It takes only a moment before the older man catches up with the Prince Consort.

"Is everything alright Merlin?" Gaius asks as he reaches Merlin's side and falling in pace with the younger man's stride. "It looked like something upset you just before you left the feast."

"It was nothing." Merlin says in a low voice that hints that he might be stretching the truth a bit. "I have no reason at all to be upset." While he talks, the Warlock keeps walking. "I appreciate that you worry about me Gaius, but honestly, I'm fine."

"Then why are you the first one to leave the feast." Gaius asks as he reaches out to touch Merlin's arm.

The briefest of touches causes Merlin to whirl on Gaius. "Okay, so I'm not fine. This week has been a horrible week. I thought I lost my husband to a dear friend who offered a much more normal relationship. And because I couldn't manage my own insecurities I managed to walk into a situation where I not only didn't keep the king from being killed, I managed to lose a baby I wasn't even sure I was ready for, while Arthur was beside himself with excitement." The words spill out unrestrained as Merlin's mask seems to fade enough to reveal his emotional state.

"And then, when the one person who's opinion really counts tries to show me how much he loves me and how much he appreciates my support, I start to cry." Running his hand through his hair, he sighs in defeat. "I even fail as a member of Court. I don't know what I'm supposed to say, or what I'm supposed to do, or how to deal with any of it. I'm nothing but an embarrassment for Arthur."

"You're nervous about tomorrow aren't you?" Gaius asks with a lift of his brow.

"Didn't you hear? I'm an embarrassment and a failure." Merlin says, with his voice rising slightly in a panic. "I shouldn't be beside him."

"Merlin you're being ridiculous. You need to think about how long you've been feeling this way." Gaius says with a deep frown. "When did it all start?"

Confusion flickers in the Warlocks eyes. Opening his mouth, whatever he might have said dies as he closes his mouth to think. "With what's happened this week, I've been made to realize how things are."

"My dear boy, you better than any man alive should know the emotional and physical chaos of a pregnancy and what occurs at the end of that pregnancy. To some degree you've already experienced a milder case of what's affecting you know." Gaius says, speaking in a calm and direct manner as he does with his patients. Reaching out the older man gently places a hand on the younger man's shoulder to silently offer comfort.

"You can't be sure that is what's happening, I've failed at so much this week." Merlin argues, though he offers nothing more to throw down the Court Physician's opinion.

"No, I can't be sure." Gaius admits softly. "But you alone have brought forth questions never asked and challenged steadfast facts and rules in so many areas, why would this be any different. It seems each breath you take is a new exploration into who you are and what you're capable of doing."

A small sob of defeat escapes the Warlock's lips. "Even if I were to agree that you might be right, it doesn't help." Merlin says sadly. "It hurts and the pain is suffocating me."

Drawing Merlin into a fatherly embrace, Gaius pats the younger man's back. "Perhaps I should think beyond normal remedies for your symptoms." The Court Physician says with deep affection. "I've a nice potion made of Saint John's Wort, Lemon Balm, Feverfew, and a touch of Passion Flower that will help ease your symptoms while you work through the difficulties this week has thrown in your path."

Drawing back from the embrace, Gaius offers a smile. "I think we'll arrange a nice hot lavender bath so you can soak while I can return to my chambers to gather up the potion."

.

.

Merlin woke the next morning to a shining sun, the sweet sound of birds singing, and a warm breeze blowing through the window nearest the bed. Stretching lazily in the bed, the Prince Consort turns in search of his husband. Finding himself alone in the bed, he frowns. "Arthur?" he calls out as he rises up into a sitting position.

"So you've finally decided to wake up." Arthur says as he appears from the main area of their chambers. "How are you feeling?" he asks as his eyes take a visual inspection of his partner.

Furrowing his brow Merlin seems to consider the question carefully. When his brow smooth's out and a smile appears he replies, "Better actually, a little fuzzy headed, but much calmer."

"No urge to cry?" Arthur asks as he crosses the distance to the bed. Plopping down on the side of the bed, the Prince smiles warmly. "No urge to convince me that I should find a nice girl to step in and take your place?"

"Honestly, you should know by now that I only think of you Arthur, even when I'm not thinking straight." Merlin says as his face flushes deeply. "Regardless of all else, you have to agree, I'm not exactly the most traditional partner a King could have."

"Reluctantly I will agree. You aren't a traditional spouse for a King." Arthur says as he reaches to lay his hand on Merlin's chest. "But in here," he says patting the Warlock's chest, "You are exactly what I and the people of this Kingdom need." Leaning forward, the Crown Prince captures a quick kiss before rising to his feet. "Now out of bed, take the potion Gaius left for you, and let's see about getting dressed. We have a coronation to attend."

Very little time is taken once Arthur calls forth the servants charged with the task of preparing the Crown Prince and the Prince Consort for the coronation. From the point of Merlin's rise from bed to the moment of their departure less than an hour passes.

In the courtyard Sir Leon and Sir Gwaine stand waiting with four horses. The Knights bow respectfully and then rise to wait for their King and his Consort to mount their steeds. As Arthur and Merlin settle into their seats and turn their horses, Sir Leon mounts and takes his place behind the Crown Prince while Sir Gwaine falls in behind Merlin.

As they begin their travel through the lower city, appearing first to a portion of the people that the future King is to govern, trumpets blare, announcing the formal start to the coronation procession. The lively sounds of the city quiet as the people watch their Crown Prince and his spouse slowly make their way through the town. Hope shines in the faces of the people, uniting one and all in a common expectation for the future. For Arthur who is schooled in all topics of being a royal finds his confidence growing with the expressions of his people. Merlin on the other hand, raised as a commoner, is filled with joy to see his own emotions reflected in the people they pass.

"You will not disappoint them." Merlin says with a voice brimming with pride. "In the years to come, one and all will mark this day as the beginning of a new Albion."

"I am not alone in this." Arthur replies with a glance to Merlin and then to his Knights. "It is you who's taught me this Merlin."

The procession is slow, but for those atop the horses it seems to move quickly. As they return to the courtyard, the trumpets blare again. Where the day before had been filled with a sense of mourning, today the courtyard was now teeming with people who are filled with excitement and joy. As the Prince and his consort appear the crowd cheer and wave Pendragon flags in support.

Coming to the foot of the stairs the first portion of the procession comes to an end and calls a start to the next part. Reaching the stairs, Sirs Leon and Gwaine quickly dismount their horses and after passing their horses to waiting grooms they are met by servants holding neatly folded cloaks. These cloaks are not for warmth, but show and they're intended to complete the Royal couple's formal attire in the last leg of the coronation.

Sir Leon takes the Crown Prince's Knightly red cloak, and Sir Gwaine takes Merlin's Sapphire blue cloak. Each Knight moves with their respective cloaks with precision as if each had carefully practiced their moves dozens of times. Starting at the back of the royal couple, the cloaks are unfurled and then respectfully placed upon the shoulders of their owners. Moving crisply around to face their respective charges, the Knights move to tie the cloaks in place.

"Who would have known," Gwaine whispers as he maintains his respectful composure. "When we first met, who would have known that you'd come so far or that you'd prove yourself to be so powerful."

Merlin smiles at his friend. "Every man is a reflection of his friends and family." Merlin whispers back. "And you Sir Gwaine are counted among my very best friends."

Tying Merlin's cloak, Gwaine winks and steps back and turns around, joining Sir Leon. "You may proceed," Arthur says with confidence. As the Knights take a step forward the trumpets sound for a third time. At the Knight's second step, the Crown Prince takes Merlin's elbow and lightly guides him forward to follow their escort.

The remainder of the walk into the throne room passes in a blur of shapes and colors. Walking side by side up the stairs gives way to single file the near they get to the throne room. There is only a slight pause when they reached the doors, allowing those present to turn to watch the processions end. Sirs Leon and Gwaine are the first to continue through the open doors. They move to the first row of the crowd nearest the thrones, taking their place on opposite sides of the central path through the crowd of Knights, Lords, and Ladies.

Once the Knights reach their position, Arthur starts down the path with his head held high. An instant later he's followed by Merlin who takes a slower pace that reflects his shyness to be a part of such an important ceremony. On either side of the path, Knights and Nobles bow respectfully as the royals make their way to the thrones that rest on a raised platform at the very end of the room.

Reaching the platform, Arthur comes to a halt before the larger of the two thrones. It is his father's throne and as it was always meant to be, it would soon be his. Movement to the Crown Prince's right marks Merlin's arrival as he takes his place before the smaller of the two thrones.

Turning his head to look upon Merlin's pale complexion, the Crown Prince offers a pleased expression as he lifts his right hand. Merlin smiles back as he lifts his own hand and gently rests it atop Arthurs. It was no small feat to have them stand together in this coronation, and in that instant they both took great comfort from the accomplishment.

Together they return their gaze forward and drop to kneel upon the first step of the platform. Once in place, their hands drop to their sides. Stepping forward with the Kings crown in hand Geoffrey of Monmouth comes to a halt before the Crown Prince. Holding the crown high so that all within the throne room can see, the court genealogist lowers both the crown and his gaze.

"Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince of Camelot, do you solemnly swear to govern and rule over the people of Camelot according to the Kingdoms respected laws and customs?" Geoffrey asks loudly in a tone that leaves no question about the seriousness of the oath being taken.

"I will," Arthur replies firmly.

"Will you, with the power granted to you as our King, swear to use justice and mercy in the execution of your judgments?" Geoffrey says, his voice booming over the silent crowd gathered to witness the coronation of their King.

"I will," Arthur replies.

"Then, by the sacred law vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot." Geoffrey says as he places the king's crown atop Arthur's head. When the deed is done, he bows deeply until Arthur rises. Taking a step up onto the platform Arthur holds his right hand up to the people in witness, signaling a hold to any celebration.

Geoffrey rises and motions a page forward. At the Librarian's motion, the young boy moves forward carrying a velvet pillow bearing a gem encrusted circlet. When he nears the King, the page bows and offers the pillow. Arthur takes the circlet and steps before his spouse.

"Merlin, Prince Consort, Master Warlock, and Dragonlord, do you swear your loyalty, devotion, and all of the power, to your King?" Arthur asks, letting his voice carry through the throne room.

"I swear all that I am to my King," Merlin says, speaking with unwavering devotion.

"Will you, with the power granted by your King, bring aid and comfort to all people of the Kingdom?" Arthur asks.

"I will," Merlin says, with a touch of humor in his voice that suggests that no oath was required. That which was being asked of him was already second nature to the Warlock.

"Then I, King of Camelot, crown you Merlin, Prince Consort of Camelot." Arthur says as he gently places the delicate circlet atop Merlin's head.

Stepping back, Arthur reaches out his hand to Merlin. From Manservant to Lover, Friend to Husband, the hand he offered is one offered freely with love in his heart. "I have always said there was something about you." The new King whispers to his Consort.

Taking Arthur's hand, Merlin rises and takes a step up onto the platform. "It's an air of mystery that keeps your attention." The Warlock says as he and Arthur move to their respective thrones.

When the two men sit, the crowd erupts with cheers and through the room, out into the hallway and to the courtyard beyond, cheers of "Long live the King!" Echo freely from the subjects of Camelot.