Merlin Must Never Know

disclaimer: I own nothing Merlin. I just write about it.

A/N: I like Percival, but can't decide between an Arthur or Merlin pairing. This was originally a oneshot, not anymore. Other chapters to come.

Merlin Must Never Know

Sir Percival wasn't looking forward to the task. He'd just returned from spying on the enemy, and wasn't sure that King Arthur would like the report. He should be happy, since the enemy's weak spot had been found. But for reasons Percival couldn't figure, Arthur had been in a towering temper ever since Merlin had been captured.

He wasn't happy that Merlin had been captured, either. He liked the young man, heck, Merlin was somebody everybody liked. Percival also liked Merlin for other reasons, but kept those to himself, since he believed them to be beneath the dignity of a Knight. He knew that Arthur liked Merlin, trusted him, turned to him for counsel. There seemed to be a strong bond between the two, understandable since both had grown up as an only child. Arthur had inherited Morgana as a sister, but Percival didn't count her. Heck, nobody wanted to count Morgana!

Percival also had a respect for the way Arthur and Merlin balanced each other. Arthur was a fighter, Merlin was a diplomat. Since his arrival at Camelot, Merlin had been a strong influence on Arthur, bringing out his compassion, sense of fairness, and more. Merlin had been the best thing to happen to Arthur, maybe even to Camelot.

At the huge wooden doors, he paused before knocking. As a Knight and a warrior, Percival knew he had a duty and responsibility to his king. He just hated that sometimes duty and responsibility brought anguish.

Seated at the head of the table, Arthur looked despondent. "Speak."

"My Lord, we have found a way to defeat the enemy. Our troops can attack at first light." He caught his breath, not wanting to continue.

"And Merlin?" whispered Arthur.

Percival wished he didn't have to say the words. "He's been enslaved to the general."

"NO!" Arthur was on his feet. "We must rescue him! We ride in an hour!" Arthur's hands flew to his eyes, and he turned to the wall.

The Knight would have loved to ride immediately, but common sense dictated otherwise. "My Lord," he said calmly, "The horses are tired, the Knights are worn out. It's better that we rest."

Arthur turned. "Rest! This is Merlin we're talking about!" He advanced. "We must go now!"

Percival was stunned. There were tears in Arthur's eyes. As he got closer he repeated, "Now! Now!" and started pounding his fists on the Knight's chest.

The Knight suddenly realized how special the bond was between the King and his manservant.

He grabbed Arthur's wrists and pulled them up, slamming Arthur into his chest. Wrapping his arms around the king, he whispered, "Yes, my Lord, we will rescue Merlin. He will be all right, as will you, as will your secret."

Those last words had a strong effect on Arthur. He took a deep breath, lifted his head and slowly pulled away. Every passing second brought Arthur more composure. "What secret do you speak?"

"My Lord," Percival said softly.

Arthur was back to being Arthur. He stood solidly, and his voice was sure. "What secret?"

Percival was a warrior, so tact and diplomacy weren't his best abilities. He sure needed them now, though. "My Lord, everybody loves Merlin, perhaps some moreso than others."

"Perhaps," replied Arthur, cocking his head to one side. He turned and walked back to his chair. "Perhaps that's why they're called secrets." He sat down, his eyes boring into Percival's.

"Yes, my Lord."

"Prepare your men. We ride at dawn." the king commanded.

Sir Percival nodded, turned to leave. As he was reaching for the door, Arthur spoke again.

"Merlin must never know."

Pulling the door closed behind him, Percival decided that it was best not to dwell on Arthur and Merlin, and why Merlin shouldn't know. That was Arthur's decision, after all. Then he smiled. If those two weren't carrying on, that meant Merlin was available. If Arthur could have such feelings, that meant his own were not beneath his dignity after all.

Sir Percival would rescue Merlin personally.