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Chapter Text

"Father, I'm not sure it's right to punish his children and knights in the same way."

Merlin spoke for the first time, confident in his blue attire, looking at his father, King Balinor of Drakonia, from his place in the Council.

Finally, after some delays, King Balinor had managed to conquer Camelot, and to demand his revenge for Uther's bloodthirsty pursuit of magic and all its believers.

Uther Pendragon was dead, and with him, the Purge was finally over.

"Arthur Pendragon and the knights of Camelot are guilty of attacking, destroying, and burning entire camps of druids." Gwaine, one of Merlin's personal knights, spoke from his place beside Merlin. "I'm sure they're to be held accountable for their personal crimes."

Merlin barely held back a scoff. After all, it was he who had insisted that Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival join the Council.

He imagined it was just the price he had to pay.

Lancelot snorted before whispering something in Gwaine's ear, something Merlin missed in the sudden murmurs of agreement from the other members of the Council.

"People under their king's orders," Merlin clarified. "No different from the crimes we committed with the help of our dragons. Or do we want to deny that Camelot was burned and razed to the ground?"

A thread of shame spread among those present.

"I've seen that Gaius, the court physician, possesses the gift of magic." Merlin said. "He was forced to give it up in memory of a man who was good and just, according to Lady Nimueh's memories." Merlin respectfully bowed to the Priestess, who returned the gesture of respect. "And he had to pay the price for it."

Merlin took a deep breath. "Freya, tasked with guarding the cells, has informed me of Lady Morgana's nightmares. I can say with certainty that she has the blood of a Seer in her veins. And her servant, Guinevere, has been open to the use of magic, ever since I healed her mother from the sickness that was killing her."

Merlin wanted to shrink under the gaze of his parents, grateful they couldn't reprimand him given their current commitment.

Saved by the Council . Who would have ever thought?

"I think they should learn the truth about magic here, behind all the lies Uther told them." Merlin concluded. "It would be wise, I think."

Balinor muttered to himself before nodding and saying, "I agree with this idea, my son. I am proud of the wisdom you display." Here, the king glanced at Gwaine. "Although some choices are difficult to understand."

Merlin shrugged.

Gwaine was Gwaine. He wasn't sure he could provide any further explanations, even if his parents asked for them.

"Sire," Albus, an old and decrepit man who had taught alchemy to Merlin for far too many years, leaned forward, speaking. "Although I see merit in Prince Merlin's suggestion, something tells me it won't be easy to convince them all to open their hearts to the truth."

"It won't be." Balinor nodded, bringing a hand to his chin as he pondered how to solve the problem. "The knights can assist the community. Using their strength to build homes seems like a good change."

"And seeing sorcerers interact with those who don't have magic will help open their hearts." Hunith, the queen of Drakonia, agreed. "If Lady Morgana has magic, such a gift, we must offer her guidance, not punishment. Nimueh, would you be available to teach her how to control her power?"

Nimueh bowed. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty."

"Very well." Balinor nodded. "There's only Arthur Pendragon left." The king's gaze fell on his son. "Have you visited him?"

Merlin shook his head. "No. According to Morgana and Gwen, anyway, he's a dollophead . I haven't had any reason to see him."

"I have recognized the merits of your idea, my son." Balinor spoke, his voice becoming solemn. "From now on, Arthur Pendragon will serve in the royal court. He will be the royal valet. He will serve as your personal servant."

Silence fell in the room.

Then, suddenly, Merlin exclaimed. " Father !"

Chapter Text

Gwen and Morgana would follow Nimueh, Morgana learning magic from her and Gwen assisting her lady.

The knights were supposed to do the work of bricklayers. Arthur hoped that at least this would give them the opportunity to study the defences and devise an escape plan.

And Arthur...

“Tell me this is a joke!” The blond exclaimed, looking at the mountain before him, a Drakonian knight named Percival. 

He snorted. “Merlin had the same reaction too, ironically.” Then he looked at him. “If it were not this, if my lord had not pleaded your cause, you, your knights and servants, and your sister would all be dead. You owe him your life .”

“They killed my father .” Arthur growled.

“And how many fathers, sons, brothers and cousins ​​ he killed?” Percival replied.

Arthur swallowed. He did not know.

“Do you think he would have shown grace to Morgana if he ever saw her powers?” 

Arthur shook his head, trying to free himself from the images the sentence had brought.

“And if he had spared her, why her and not all the others ?”

Arthur groaned.

Percival seemed sympathetic. “I know it's difficult. But, even if it doesn't seem like it, this is not a punishment. Talk to Merlin if anyone gives you trouble. He's not unfair."

Arthur nodded. He could have done it.

“I haven't the slightest idea how to be a servant.” Arthur admitted.

Percival simply laughed.

****

Arthur was looking awkwardly at Merlin, who was busy getting dressed.

His servant cleaned the room, arranged everything and dressed him.

Arthur had prepared himself, despite his reluctance and dislikes, to do just that.

But magic took care of cleanliness and order, and Merlin knew how to dress himself.

“Why are you standing there?” Merlin asked him, appearing from behind the divider. “You weren't given your job?”

Arthur shook his head. “I was brought straight here. I was told that I would get my duties from you…” After a pause, Arthur added. "Sire."

"Do not do it." Merlin groaned. “Merlin just will be fine.” The prince shook his head, the simple crown shifting slightly, leaning to the right. “This is a real punishment.”

“And what crimes have I committed?” Arthur asked, almost growling.

Merlin snorted. "The punishment is for me . Ironically your crime is the same as that of all sorcerers. How were you born. Your guilt is your blood .”

“What do you mean… like sorcerers?” Arthur asked. “Magic corrupts, but it is not a hereditary disease.”

"ì This what they tell you in Camelot?” Merlin hissed. “That magic corrupts and that is some kind of illness ? I am against violence, but I feel less guilty about his fate with every word I hear.” Merlin shook his head, clearly disgusted. “It's not true, but you'll find out. Now, you were the prince of Camelot, is that correct?”

Arthur nodded.

“Good, you'll help me with my duties.” Merlin ordered. “I advise you to follow me and pay attention to the tour because I will only do it just once. And you can choose whether to sleep in the antechamber or return to your cell.”

Arthur murmured. “Antechamber.” knowing that he would be better protected against the more enthusiastic guards.

"Perfect." Merlin nodded. "Follow me."

***

“Father, you cannot!” Merlin exclaimed, following his father to his chambers after the announcement of his decision had been made.

Just like in the throne room, Drakonia's blue prevailed here too, and Merlin only took a quick look around before returning his attention to his father.

"You'll find that I can , son." Balinor replied, raising an eyebrow at the boy when he observed his desperate expression. "It was your idea, Merlin.” Balinor pointed out. “To give them an example, to give them a second chance .”

“Yes, but why do I have to be involved in this ?” Merlin groaned. “The royal donkey can simply join the others.”

“He won't be open to the truth like the others.” Balinor shook his head. “Uther will have poisoned his mind, as often happens.”

“And so?” Merlin asked, still feeling grumpy.

“As king he will be your task to ensure that your subjects respect and know the laws of your kingdom.” Balinor educated Merlin. “You expressed your opinion against their execution, after all.”

At Merlin's still unsure look, Balinor added. “Do you want Arthur to be your subject?” After a pause, he said. “If you don't want him, we can still order his execution. It's your choice, Merlin."

“ Choice ?” Merlin repeated. “Between what? Killing an innocent for his birth or giving him a safe place?”

Shaking his head, Merlin walked out of his father's chambers.

“Tell the seneschal that I will have a servant.” Merlin told the guards. “And let Percival fetch him.” He added after a moment's hesitation.

He only trusted his knights not to mistreat a prisoner of Camelot, and, among them, Percival was the one who would be as kind as possible.

***

“I didn't know magic could be a benevolent force.” Gwen murmured, cleaning a cup in Morgana's chambers.

Morgana nodded. Tom had been happy to realise that he would not lose his wife. Knowing that it was possible thanks to Merlin made him swear loyalty to the prince extremely quickly.

“I didn't know I could do magic.” Morgana murmured in response. “I thought they were just dreams. I thought I was going crazy . Of course, Gaius didn't tell me otherwise.”

Gwen pursed her lips.

Faced with her servant's reticence to speak and respond to Morgana's doubts, the princess sighed. “You think he knew, don't you?”

“I think we lived in Camelot and it wasn't a good place for a magic user.” Gwen replied, indirectly answering Morgana's question.

“Hiding things from me wasn't the right way to deal with the situation.” Morgana growled, becoming angry at the possible fate she would have met if it weren't for the kingdom of Drakonia and Merlin himself.

“It wasn't.” Gwen agreed. “Gaius made a mistake and you will have a chance to confront him about all of this.”

“And I will.” Morgana promised herself again. She would use magic in front of the man to show him the things she had learned without him , away from his and Uther’s control.

“I was thinking about Elyan.” Gwen said, speaking and looking uncertain now that she had spoken. “I would like to write to him, you know? I mean, our mother's fine now, and we're not in Camelot anymore!”

Morgana smiled, reaching out to take Gwen's hand. “Merlin is the prince and he seemed quite nice. You could ask him to track him down.”

Gwen smiled. "I will do it." Then, with a smile, she added. “I miss my brother so much.”

“It will be nice to have him around again.” Morgana admitted. “Especially if it makes you so happy.”

***

Merlin and Arthur were walking when a ball of light came in front of them.

"What’s that?" Arthur asked, stepping back and using Merlin as a shield.

For someone growing up in Camelot, Merlin reflected, Arthur was doing rather well.

“A message from Nimueh.” Merlin explained, motioning to the orb. "Let’s see."

With a golden flash of his eyes, Merlin heard Arthur's disbelieving, surprised and frightened gasp as the sphere became the figure of a woman, who began to speak.

“ Morgana would like to talk to her brother, and the daughter of the woman you healed has another favour to ask of you .”

Then, the figure of Nimueh disappeared.

Merlin glanced at Arthur. “Well, do you want to see Morgana?”

Arthur was quick to nod, then happily followed Merlin, without any protests.

“Did you heal Gwen's mother?” Arthur asked after a few minutes, after thinking about who the person with Morgana might be, and after realising that there had never been many alternatives.

“There is very little that magic cannot do.” Merlin replied. “For better or for worse.”

“Then you recognise that it can be dangerous.” Arthur said quickly.

“I never denied it.” Merlin spoke clearly, confident in what he was saying. “That's why we have laws regulating its use.”

“So my father's mistake was only in abolishing it completely?” Arthur asked, frowning.

“Your father's mistake was in revenge for an action that he himself initiated and requested.” Merlin replied, a steely gaze as he looked at Arthur. “If you want to know more, I advise you to talk to Gaius and remind him that every promise made to a dead man falls apart and the only reason left to lie is just fear .”

At that moment, Arthur could view himself as he faced his father.

More than any other moment, he felt a spark of kinship with that prince.

For a moment, he wondered what would have happened if his father had never declared war on magic.

Would Drakonia have been Camelot's ally or enemy? And would Merlin be close to Arthur?

Would they have been friends or rivals, given their age and possible similar attitude?

"Here we are." Merlin nodded towards the door. “I'll leave you alone with Morgana. If Nimueh is inside, let her know I stayed outside. This should convince her to give you some privacy.”

Arthur nodded. "Thank you." He murmured, entering the room.

If their roles had been reversed, would Arthur have fought for Merlin's life as the other had done for his?

Chapter Text

“I never knew I had magic.” Morgana said.

Arthur could see how she felt lighter and more confident. How being in that new place was healing her.

Percival's words were still haunting him.

Would Uther have killed Morgana too? Or would she have been saved because of her connection to Uther himself?

Would his father have been so hypocritical?

“You seem better.” Arthur noted, not wanting to press that line of thought. “Less tired.”

“Gaius's remedies were suffocating me.” Morgana growled. “He knew about my magic and you never helped me. Would he let me die to save himself?”

Arthur sighed. “Merlin told me something about my father and Gaius.”

Under Morgana's encouraging and curious gaze, Arthur said. “He told me that my father blamed others for his own personal sins. And that Gaius lied to everyone about the origin of my father's hatred of magic."

"I understand." Morgana nodded. “Well, I'm not surprised at all, Arthur. We all know who has Gaius' loyalty. And it was Uther.”

“Do you think Gaius owed my father?” Arthur asked, surprised and shocked at the revelations he had been having since arriving in Drakonia.

That he believed Merlin was one thing. He had spoken to him and it was Merlin's expression that convinced him.

But Morgana? Did she think so little of Uther and Gaius?

“Gaius tried to stifle the magic in me, Arthur.” Morgana said. “And he had magic himself, Nimueh told me.”

"So?" Arthur asked.

“So, he lived in Camelot, free and revered.” Morgana continued speaking. “Why would Uther have forgiven him? Why only him and no one else ?”

Then, the girl shook her head. “Uther was an opportunist."

“Who knows what he got from Gaius.” Arthur sighed. “What did Gaius sacrifice for his own safety?”

“Or who.” Morgana murmured. “Who knows who he sacrificed.”

****

Merlin stopped, seeing Gwen running towards him.

“Gwen, right?” Merlin smiled at her. "How is your mother?"

"Very good." Gwen smiled. “She has felt great since you treated her. It no longer has any residual damage. It almost seems like a miracle.”

Merlin snorted in amusement. “No miracle, more careful study and skill trained over time.”

"I do not know how to thank you." Gwen said. “And I have another favour to ask of you.”

“You don't have to thank me.” Merlin shook his head. “As for the favour… let's say it depends on what you want to ask me.”

"Well. I have an older brother.” Gwen explained. “His name is Elyan. He… left after my mother got sick.”

“You want me to find him, is that right?” Merlin deduced. 

Gwen nodded. "You can do it? With magic, I mean.”

“Yes, it's a possible spell.” Merlin nodded, relieved that the girl hadn't asked for something impossible or absurd, like reviving a dead pet. “And I will. I will find your brother and send someone to get him with a message from you.”

Gwen smiled, tears starting to well up in her eyes. "Thank you! I'm grateful! When Elyan left… I feared I had lost him forever.”

"Don't worry." Merlin shook his head, dismissing Gwen's gratitude. "There's no problem."

“You are now a citizen of the kingdom of Drakonia.”

Merlin turned to see Nimueh walking forward.

“Our prince protects his own.”

“But I'm just a servant.” Gwen muttered, clearly shocked.

“And you are our citizens, with the same rights as each of them, regardless of the social class they belong to.” Merlin said firmly.

“If you will excuse us, however,” Nimueh said, “I must confer with my prince in private for a moment.”

"Certain." Gwen bowed to both of them. “My lord, my lady.” Then she headed towards the antechamber of Morgana's rooms.

“How's Morgana's training going?” Merlin asked, genuinely intrigued.

“She is a Seer with incredible abilities .” Nimueh replied. “I've never seen anything like her before.”

“I'm grateful he's safe now. In Camelot she would have hated herself until she was completely consumed." Merlin murmured.

Nimueh sighed, looking at the tense line of Merlin's shoulders.

“Is something bothering you, Merlin?” Nimueh asked.

“He would have had him killed, Nimueh.” Merlin murmured. “For the sins of his father , for his birth ! He would have had him killed !”

Nimueh sighed. “Uther and your father were allies and, above all, friends. Your father lost a lot the day Uther went mad.”

“But he should know it's wrong! It's the same sin that led to Uther's death!"

Nimueh stepped forward, holding Merlin. “My brother is just furious with Camelot and has lost his mind in the euphoria of victory.”

“Victory by blood and fire.” Merlin sighed, but accepted the comfort his aunt offered him.

“He'll heal once he realises it's over.” NImueh reassured him. "And, Merlin?"

Merlin looked at his aunt.

"We are not our fathers, fear not. His anger will never be yours, just as Uther's will never be Arthur's." Nimueh felt herself smile. "And you will be a better king than your father, Merlin."

Nimueh would have denied it, but seeing Merlin and Arthur walking towards her chambers side by side had reminded her of their parents.

Could the new generation heal the wounds of the old?

Chapter Text

Elyan didn’t know how long he had been away from Camelot.

After his father refused to do everything he could to save his mother’s life, Elyan had felt his heart break and his will begin to harden, toward the cursed kingdom , toward the unworthy king , and toward his father who was too cowardly to do what was necessary to protect their family.

Even his attempt to escape with his mother, in search of the druids, had been thwarted, and his father had warned him against such actions in Camelot, at this time.

“ The king looks for enemies behind every corner, in every shadow of the city, Elyan ,” Tom had whispered, his face worried and anxious. “ Don’t make his job this easy, my son .”

If Camelot didn’t welcome all of its subjects , if Camelot was willing to let one of its own die at the hands of a t yrant king , then Elyan had no reason to stay in a kingdom like that.

Saying goodbye to his mother had been painful, but his mother had always been the best thing in the world, and she had not resented her son for needing to leave Camelot.

“ Just promise me that you will find a place to call your own, my son, ” she had whispered, holding her son’s hand with surprising strength. “ Promise me that you will be happy . ”

And Elyan had promised it, one last promise to the mother he would never see again.

And he was gone, leaving behind a cursed kingdom, a dying mother, a broken sister, and a sad father.

He had wandered, moving from city to city, from kingdom to kingdom, working as a mercenary, a hunter, a bandit, whatever it took to survive in the wild, with no home to return to at night.

It was in one of the camps that he heard footsteps approaching him.

He took up his sword, getting into a fighting stance, as the figure stepped out of the trees.

He was rich, which made Elyan’s fear of being mugged by the man laughable. He was also young, perhaps even younger than Elyan himself, making the man worry about the young man alone in front of him.

“Elyan, you are a hard person to find.” The boy greeted Elyan, smiling pleasantly and sitting down at Elyan’s fire, offering the man a package.

Elyan took it, frowning and wondering what had been passed to him.

His stomach growled when he realized he had just been offered food .

“I figured you’d be hungry, when I first realized where you’d taken refuge.” The boy commented quietly. “It’s not a nice place to rest, you know?”

“Who are you?” Elyan asked. “And why were you looking for me? If you’re hoping for a ransom for my capture…”

“My name is Merlin, son of Balinor and prince of Drakonia.” Merlin introduced himself, bowing his head to Elyan. “And I am here not seeking payment, but to offer you a place in my kingdom.”

“ Why ? What merit do I have as a prince?” Elyan asked.

“I don’t know if you know this, but Drakonia has conquered Camelot.” Merlin said, narrowing his eyes at Elyan, keeping his expression under control. “Uther Pendragon died by dragon fire.”

Elyan’s throat tightened, the pause freezing him.

Gwen. His father. His mother .

“My father wished to destroy all memories of Camelot, including his people, but I resisted, comparing it to Uther ’s cruelty to our people.” Merlin smiled ruefully at Elyan. “Comparing him to Uther usually works pretty well to get what I want.”

“So… there are survivors?” Elyan asked, daring to hope.

“Well, the knights of Camelot serve as manpower in Drakonia, hoping they will understand that magic is just a mere tool, and not the evil that they were educated to believe.” Merlin said. “The Prince of Camelot has become my servant, much to my horror . And Lady Morgana is under my and Lady Nimueh’s protection, since she has powerful magic.”

“ Oh. ” Elyan looked shocked and Merlin smiled at him. “Uther’s daughter who has the thing he hates most. I wonder if he would have killed his daughter too or if she would have been the only one spared from his wrath.”

Elyan shook his head. “Uther was a hypocrite . I don’t think he would have hurt his daughter .”

“That’s what Arthur and Morgana thought, and that convinced them more than anything else that Uther isn’t always right.” Merlin nodded. “In addition to Morgana, her servant Gwen, as well as her parents, Yavanna and Tom, are also under my protection, and it is on their behalf that I sought you out.”

Elyan breathed deeply. “ My mother … is she still alive?”

Merlin gave him a sincere smile. “I discovered her illness as soon as I set foot in the cells, and nothing would have stopped me from saving her.” Then, he nodded toward Elyan. “Your sister told me that you disagreed with Camelot’s policy against magic even before it did anything useful for you. You would be welcome to Drakonia. You’d be under my protection. And you’d be with your family.”

Elyan swallowed. “I don’t even know what I’d do for a prince .”

“I guess we’ll figure it out together, then.” Merlin smiled comfortingly. “Personally, I can’t wait to see Gwen stop scaring Nimueh. And I think you deserve a chance to see your family again.”

Elyan smiled. “How do we get to Drakonia, then?”

“How?” Merlin smiled mischievously. “By flying , of course!”

Chapter Text

Returning from his secret mission, known only to Nimueh, Merlin had watched with amusement as a happy but very angry Gwen and a relieved and somewhat frightened Elyan reunited.

“You did it again.”

Lancelot’s voice made Merlin turn. “What?” Merlin asked, smiling at his personal knight.

“Picking up a stray and bringing him here as your personal guest.” Lancelot smiled. “You did it to me, if memory serves.”

The mention of their first meeting made Merlin flinch, his hand instinctively going to his side, where an old wound resurfaced with sharp pain, as if the past had awakened in a single, terrible memory, just at the mention of it.

A sudden movement, a slip, and the pain had reached him again.

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to ignore it, but he knew he couldn’t escape it.

“Merlin?” Lancelot asked, hesitantly.

But Merlin was lost in the memory, a raging river that he had no chance of stopping, even if he wanted to.

***

Merlin had only been ten years old the first time he realized that being a prince was much more than caring for his people.

It was also sending his people to their deaths.

It was with a tense face that he had crossed the threshold of the throne room. The king, his father Balinor, sat on his throne.

There was no doubt in the king’s face, but there was anxiety in the prince’s eyes.

“Father,” Merlin said, trying to keep calm, well aware of the guards present and of the role of prince that he could never truly abandon, not even in his own chambers, no matter how difficult it might be at times. "Our army is tired. We have lost many of our soldiers, knights too young to learn the finer points of their magic, or outmatched by the mercenary sorcerers Odin has sent against us. We cannot risk everything in a conflict that could destroy us. Our enemies are too many, too powerful. We cannot do this to our people. We made them a promise ."

His father glared at him.

Merlin swallowed, but did not back down from his words. He meant them with all his heart, and his mother had always told him to stay true to his heart.

"You speak like a man who is scared ." Balinor scolded, sounding disappointed and insulted by Merlin's fear. "Our people demand that we stand at the front, my son. If we do not fight now, we will lose everything. I cannot, will not , see our kingdom reduced to rubble ."

Merlin felt his heart pound. "And I do not want to lose you, father. And see our people destroyed by the enemy." Then, shaking his head, he said. “If we lose, if we fall in battle, if you lose too, there will be nothing left to save.”

The king looked down, but his voice remained firm. “You are young , Merlin. You do not fully understand the weight we carry. But you will understand. The kingdom is everything, and I am ready to give my life for it.”

Merlin shook his head. “Father, you are not listening to me! I am not talking about living or losing the kingdom. We are not prepared for this war.”

A long silence fell between them.

Then, seeing that his father was not willing to change his mind, Merlin clenched his fists. “If you want to fight, then I want to fight alongside my people ,” he said finally, his voice lower but determined, despite his certainty that the battle would not be won by them. "I will fight with our people in this war. Unlike many of them, I am trained in magic, and my powers are sufficient to fight against many of the enemies we have.."

Balinor, raised an eyebrow. Then, he shook his head, his face filled with sadness. "It cannot be, my son. You are too precious. If you were to fall, the kingdom would not survive. I cannot allow that."

The guards moved immediately, flanking Merlin.

“Take my son to his chambers and do not allow him to leave.” Balinor spoke harshly. “Make sure he stays inside. That is an order!”

It had taken Merlin a few hours to escape the guards, his heart pounding with anticipation of battle.

He had only one goal in mind. He could not, he did not have the heart to watch his people die while he fought his battles.

Merlin was a prince and he had a duty. But his duty was not to remain in a hall, protected and safe. It was to fight for his kingdom, for his people, for his father whom, despite everything, he loved with all his soul.

He was not ready to die, but he would never be ready to see the kingdom die without a fight.

The battle that day had been a clash of horrors. The enemy forces, numerous and ferocious, had invaded the battlefield like a rushing wave.

The battlefield, lost among rocks and red sand, was stained with the blood of men and beasts.

Merlin, still hidden and concealed from the eyes of his men, following the second-hand commands, approved by his father, felt the weight of each death like a boulder on his shoulders.

"Soldiers do not surrender," he had murmured, feeling proud of his people, despite everything. "We will never surrender."

And Merlin had fought harder than before, more ferociously, and had given his all.

Someone had shouted at him to go back, not to expose himself too much, but Merlin, in his ardor, strong in his powerful magic, more powerful than that of any other soldier of Drakonia, had thrown himself to the front line, towards the enemy that seemed to never end.

It was there that he was wounded: a slash that marked his side as he tried to take down an opponent.

His vision went black for a moment, but it was Lancelot's hand, strong and steady, that held him, preventing him from falling.

The enemy who had attacked him had been defeated, and the rest of the army was in retreat.

It was then that the helmet was removed from Merlin's face, and his savior could see who the brave warrior had been who had inspired his men to fight,

"I cannot leave you here, my prince," Lancelot had said, in a voice that revealed more than simple devotion. "I will take you away, or the kingdom will lose you."

Merlin would never forget that moment.

Not only because his life had been saved, but also because in that same instant he had seen the future before him, a future in which Lancelot, that loyal and brave friend he had met in the midst of battle, would become one of his most faithful guards, his anchor.

When Balinor had tried to doubt his choice, given the lack of nobility in Lancelot's blood, a mere infantryman and not one of their knights, Merlin had responded, speaking clearly and proudly before the entire council: "Lancelot protected me without knowing I was a prince, but only out of duty and the goodness of his heart. If I am to be protected in my home, or on my travels, it must be by someone who sees life in the same light, and not someone who would take advantage of my position, and whose loyalty I should doubt at any moment.”

Chapter Text

Elyan stood in front of the room where Merlin had led him.

The prince, with a calm smile, had invited him to enter the room and speak with his sister.

The smile was not very reassuring , if Elyan had to be honest.

He knew that his departure must have hurt Gwen deeply, but he couldn't stay in a kingdom where his mother would have died solely due to the ignorance of its king. Ignorance that had led to his death and could have caused his sister's death as well, if it hadn't been for Merlin himself .

It seemed that Elyan owed more than one debt to the prince of Drakonia.

Gathering his courage, he knocked, waiting for Gwen to come to the door.

When it opened, however, it wasn't Gwen who greeted him on the other side.

"Well, you must be Merlin's future knight." The woman who opened the door possessed a beauty that could only be described as magnetic .

She had long dark brown hair, styled in soft waves, framing her delicately featured face. Her eyes were a deep blue, giving her gaze a mysterious and penetrating aura. Her complexion was fair, accentuating the contrast with her attire, which was a shade of dark red, rich in details and decorations that reflected a high status.

Her presence was imposing, emanating a mix of elegance and danger at the same time.

Then, what she said registered with Elyan. "Merlin hasn't mentioned being his future knight."

"You weren't a knight of Camelot, and your sister is the servant of a very powerful witch," the woman explained. "Merlin is free to make you his knight, if it's his desire. And this would allow you to be close to Gwen whenever you wish, a thing that Merlin will consider in his decision to knight you. My name is Nimueh, by the way."

Elyan smiled at the thought of seeing his sister again every day he wished. "Pleasure to meet you, Lady Nimueh."

Then, he asked the question that was really pressing. "My parents? Prince Merlin told me they are both alive, but..."

"Your mother is making her way among our cooks, while your father has joined our blacksmiths. Merlin has personally vouched for both," Nimueh explained. "Camelot is no longer suitable for living, and the prince has decided to offer shelter and food to all those who had lost their homes due to the war. I think the peasants of the kingdom of Camelot are relieved. There is no king to demand taxes, and the nobles who abused them have been dealt with by Merlin himself."

Elyan smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. Uther would never have helped the people, not when the nobles were on the other side of the dispute."

"No, indeed," Nimueh nodded, her gaze drifting away from Elyan, looking behind him. "Please, Gwen is waiting for you. I will be with Lady Morgana for her education, but Gwen can't wait to embrace you."

Elyan smiled. He too couldn't wait to embrace his sister.

***

Merlin was sitting beside the unconscious body of Arthur Pendragon.

After leaving Elyan in front of Gwen's door, inviting him to enter whenever he wished, Merlin had gone to perform his duties, which took him walking all over his kingdom.

Arthur, as his servant, had followed him.

Although, apparently, he had forgotten to take care of himself in the meantime.

His skin was warm and flushed, without any sweating. He had fainted after complaining of a headache and dizziness, clearly visible from the lack of balance, and Merlin's magic sensed pains in the legs and abdomen.

So, Merlin's magic was flowing soothingly over Arthur's body, hydrating and nourishing him for the moment.

Obviously, it was absolutely not enough to keep him healthy. Arthur would need to eat and drink as soon as he woke up, which had meant Merlin's order to bring food and water for him.

Arthur let out a groan, his eyes slowly opening.

"Welcome back," Merlin greeted him. "I don't know how servants are treated in Camelot, but you can take a break to drink and eat if you need to ."

Arthur blinked, before focusing on Merlin. "I fainted. I'm so sorry, you were clearly busy, and I made you postpone your duties." Arthur shook his head. "I will take the blame I deserve with your father, sire!"

" Excuse me? " Merlin blinked, while an incredible anger towards Uther Pendragon began to consume him. "So, let's be clear: no one is punished for being unwell . You're injured, you're sick, you are not to be punished ." The prince shook his head, black locks falling from his temples, escaping the silver crown that framed his head. "Moreover, it's my duty to take care of my people, which includes the servants. You are under my protection and responsibility. We are not wasting time; I am ensuring that you are healthy."

Arthur nodded slowly. "I didn't want to waste your time, I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Merlin shook his head. "I was doing the welfare check of my people, but we know there are no imminent issues, or they would have been presented to my father at open court."

Arthur nodded slightly, clearly still exhausted.

Merlin stared at him, before standing up and indicating the table. "I have brought food and water for you. Rest a bit."

"Where are you going?" Arthur asked, blinking and staring at Merlin in shock.

"I have to go fetch Lancelot, Gwaine, and Percival to train Elyan," Merlin replied.

"Gwen's family has been treated..." Arthur trailed off, perhaps out of fear of being punished.

If he was surprised to receive minimal assistance after fainting just because he was a servant and by the fact that Merlin wouldn't be punished by his father just for taking care of one of his personal servants and not performing his duties, then Merlin wasn't surprised that he was afraid of being punished just for expressing a doubt.

"If you think it's due to absurd favoritism, you're wrong," Merlin replied anyway. "Simply, they have been open to magic, recognizing its dangers and merits."

"But my knights..." Arthur began to say.

"You and your knights have been placed in close contact with magic users, without having the means to be a danger to them," Merlin said. "It's a punishment for acting against sorcerers in the past, I don't deny it, but it's also a chance for redemption for all of you. To see your mistakes. As soon as any of you honestly show that you've learned the errors in Uther's propaganda, you will be integrated into our society." Merlin gave a slight smile. "Not all the inhabitants of the kingdom are magic users, Arthur."

Arthur blushed. "Right, I... I just thought..."

"You're doing well, for being your father's son," Merlin said, speaking gently. "Keeping you as my servant is also for your protection. There are many who would have wanted to kill you out of resentment towards Uther, showing they are no better than him, in that case. My father wanted to punish me for speaking, it's true, but by doing so he allowed me to intervene personally for your safety." Merlin nodded, placing his hand on the door handle. "Only if I seek to enter, the doors will open. For your consolation," he said, bowing his head slightly in a sign of farewell, before walking off in search of his three knights.

He couldn't wait to hear Lancelot's reprimand for taking in another stray.

Chapter Text

Elyan thought that Prince Merlin was the only oddity in Drakonia. A prince who showed compassion, kindness, and helped others simply for the sake of helping.  

He was wrong.

Clearly , Merlin surrounded himself with oddities.  

Elyan should have been much more worried than he actually was. Most likely.  

“What are you doing?”  

Elyan cautiously eyed the knight Merlin had assigned to train him for his role as his personal guard.  

Gwaine.  

Sleek, shiny hair, hazel eyes that gleamed golden in the sunlight.  

The perfect knight in shining armour, rescuing damsels in distress from dragons.  

The only problem with the man, and that image, was that he was utterly insane .  

“Using the sword?” Elyan replied, his uncertain tone turning the statement into a question.  

“No. First, you need to loosen up your joints,” Gwaine the tyrant said. “Shoulder and wrist rotations.”  

Elyan cast a glance towards the edge of the training ground, where Gwen and Morgana had taken their seats.  

Nimueh, under Merlin’s watchful eye, had agreed to let her protégé (and Gwen) witness Elyan’s training.  

“I have no intention of—” Elyan started.  

“I’ll tell the prince you’re not putting in enough effort, and then I’ll pass you on to Lancelot,” Gwaine threatened.  

If Gwaine was using Lancelot as a threat, Elyan did not want to meet Lancelot.  

“Okay.” Elyan nodded, performing the required rotations and lunges Gwaine had ordered.  

“Excellent.” Gwaine’s smile could only be described as menacing. “Now, let’s move on to the basics.”  

“I already know how to fight,” Elyan interrupted. “I didn’t survive this long without some form of training.”  

“Your feet are too close together, and they’re not angled correctly. Same with your grip on the sword,” was Gwaine’s rather ruthless response. “I’m sure you don’t know the stances and attack techniques, and you’ve certainly never been trained to appreciate the magic around you while you fight.”  

“Does anyone?” Elyan asked. “Apart from those who have magic, I mean.”  

“Of course.” Gwaine nodded. “Magic is everywhere. And we can all feel its echoes, even if we aren’t sorcerers.”  

“Okay.” Elyan nodded. “Shall we begin?”  

Gwaine grinned.  

---  

“Just out of curiosity, why would Lancelot be worse than you as an instructor?” Elyan asked, after over an hour of sparring with the war machine that was Gwaine.  

“He makes you talk about feelings ,” Gwaine said. “And I’m quite sure you wouldn’t want Lancelot pointing out all the ways you’ve failed as a brother to Gwen.”  

“That’s none of your business,” Elyan snapped, the conversation with Gwen still fresh in his mind.  

“No, it isn’t,” Gwaine agreed. “And I know what it’s like to run from a worthless, undeserving king. And what it means to have someone believe in you and offer you a second chance. Merlin did the same for me.”  

“So it’s a habit? Going around picking up strays to bring here?” Elyan asked, half-joking, half-serious.  

“You’d be surprised. Percival, me, Mary, Eleanor, Nimueh herself… None of us were from Drakonia before Merlin found us. He saved us, offered us a home and protection. You don’t find princes like that anywhere in Albion.”  

“He sounds special,” Elyan agreed. “What about Arthur Pendragon?”  

“He’s only alive because Merlin requested it,” Gwaine growled. “I know he wouldn’t have been that merciful. I know for certain that if the roles were reversed, Arthur would have killed Merlin. He would have treated him like an animal , humiliated him . Yet Merlin shows kindness.”  

“And you don’t like it,” Elyan deduced, frowning. “Why?”  

“Arthur doesn’t deserve it,” Gwaine replied mercilessly. “That’s why. Merlin deserves better than trying to help a man who is his father’s son .”  

“Maybe he isn’t,” Elyan tried. “And maybe he just hopes for a chance to prove it to everyone— himself first and foremost.”  

Gwaine looked at Elyan. “And what makes you say that?”  

“Arthur…” Elyan sighed. “When my mother fell ill, Arthur gave me a list of people who had contacts with the Druids. And he was ready to give us the money to leave the kingdom and find refuge elsewhere. He would have used magic to help me save my mother. It wasn’t Arthur who declared war on magic—only Uther.”  

Gwaine scoffed. “Now I understand why Merlin wanted you as a knight.”  

“Oh? And why is that?” Elyan asked, amused by Gwaine’s behaviour.  

“You’re as optimistic as he is,” Gwaine scoffed. “It’s disgusting .”  

Laughing, Elyan raised his hands in surrender. “I’ll do my best not to subject you to my optimism .”  

“Good.” Gwaine nodded. “Rest up for lunch, then we’ll continue. Your knighthood is in two days.”

Chapter Text

Arthur didn't want to believe a wizard could be a better king than his father.

It went against everything his life had meant.

And yet, there was no way to deny it.

Enemies who were protected and incorporated into their society, taught the best way; no public humiliation, no teasing or ridicule; no revenge or displays of superiority.

The children of Uther Pendragon under the protection of the son of the king of Drakonia.

"You're not him, you know that, right?"

Arthur turned, seeing Morgana's teacher standing next to him, staring at him with her blue eyes.

"Do all powerful wizards have light eyes?" Arthur asked. "You, Merlin, my sister,..."

"No one ever asked, but perhaps we do." Nimueh replied, approaching Arthur. "I knew Uther. Balinor and I served at his court, before he decided to blame me for his wife's death."

“And am I just like him?” Arthur asked, something dry and painful in his voice at the mere thought of being like the man who would have killed Morgana.

“No, you are not.” Nimueh replied. “You made choices, choices Uther would never have made.”

“What choices?” Arthur snorted. “I really have no choice here, do I?”

“Just because you are Merlin’s servant doesn’t mean you don’t matter or have no choice,” Nimueh said. “Even if Balinor has been embittered by life, Merlin is not. He will not yet, and I hope never, know that kind of bitterness and pain.”

“I can’t leave, can I?” Arthur challenged.

“Of course you can.” Nimueh snorted. “You don’t want to admit you can because that would mean you’re choosing a sorcerer over your father, and blood loyalty is hard to beat.”

“Uther would have killed Merlin if our places had been reversed.” Arthur swallowed.

“ Balinor would have killed you, Arthur,” Nimueh said. “ Merlin decided otherwise.”

Arthur remained silent. Then, after a moment of reflection, he asked. “Why?”

“You’ll have to ask him that. Merlin’s motives are his own.” Nimueh smiled slightly, standing. “But whatever he saw then… I see it now.”

Arthur watched the witch leave.

Uther would have burned her at the stake, and she was wasting her time consoling his son.

The kindness of some people knows no bounds.

Chapter Text

Arthur watched Merlin write something on parchment.

It could have been anything; Arthur didn't read Merlin's correspondence.

Not because it was hidden, but precisely because it wasn't. Arthur didn't understand how Merlin could trust so easily.

Had life been so kind, or was Merlin just that naive, despite everything?

"Can I ask you something?" Arthur asked, speaking carefully, not wanting to anger the sorcerer.

"Of course, Arthur." Merlin quickly put the letter down, looking at Arthur with all his attention, demonstrating once again all the ways he wasn't like the other nobles. Or anyone else Arthur ever met in his life. 

"Why?" Arthur asked.

Merlin frowned, looking around, before returning his gaze to Arthur, asking hesitantly. "What are we talking about?"

"My father treated your people like criminals, or like animals. He hunted them, slaughtered them." Arthur said, pacing. “You had the chance to punish the soldiers he used and his children. You refused. Why?”

“The decision to reform the people of Camelot was made by my father, the king.” Merlin replied, clenching his jaw.

“Not for me and Morgana. No. Nimueh said it was you.” Arthur persisted. “Why?”

Merlin sighed, before taking a sip of water and standing.

“If we assume that Uther’s actions are to be condemned for their substance, and not just because they were committed against my father and his people, committing the same actions against his does not make us better or right,” Merlin explained. “Blaming children for their father's choices would have been yet another mistake. You never had the chance to express your opinion, and it was wrong to take that away from you. Or to punish you for not having the chance to punish Uther himself. It would have been revenge, a futile revenge against a man now dead, who no longer has honor to offend or pain that can be inflicted.”

Arthur started to intervene, but Merlin continued.

“Furthermore, Morgana's ability made it necessary to protect her, both from the people of Camelot and from herself,” Merlin said. “And you… the crimes you committed were committed after you were ordered to do so. No choice was made on your part.” Merlin nodded. “This is your chance to make your own choices.”

Arthur swallowed. “And then?”

“Then you will be judged by the choices you make based on your heart and instinct, rather than anyone else’s words,” Merlin explained.

Arthur murmured, before looking at Merlin and asking, "What do you gain from this?"

"Aside from a clear conscience?" Merlin asked rhetorically. "Knowing I've done everything I could to prevent further deaths. I can't save everyone, but even saving just one person is enough for me."