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Leon had known about Merlin's magic a lot longer than Merlin thought. As far as Merlin knew, he'd sat Leon down and told him that they couldn't be together because he refused to keep any secrets from Leon. Leon had, in turn, sworn on his knighthood that Merlin could tell him anything, and it wouldn't change a thing. That was when, with a tiny bit of pushing, Merlin had admitted to the magic.
That was, as far as Merlin knew, how Leon had found out. Leon was going to keep it that way, even though he'd found out after one too many convenient branches breaking, Merlin making it out of nearly every bandit encounter mostly unscathed, the glowing gold eyes, and Leon's ability to actually put the facts together.
Even with Leon being his romantic partner, and him knowing, Merlin rarely (if ever) used magic around Leon. Sometimes Leon feared Merlin thought he'd have second thoughts. Or that perhaps if he saw Merlin utilise his skill and talent too often, he'd turn him in.
As if that would ever happen.
As much as he loathed to admit it, he'd commit actual, legitimate, treason for Merlin's sake. If he asked, and Merlin never would ask. Though in knowingly courting a sorcerer, and harbouring him from the Crown, Leon was already committing treason. He'd broken his knighthood oath as well.
For Merlin, it was worth it, it didn't matter. He'd do it time and time again if he had too. It would always be the same choice, for Merlin any law was worth disregarding. Though Leon remained as loyal to the Throne and Crown as he could with the land's most powerful warlock his partner.
Leon could only assume it was due to Merlin's lingering fear, a fear Leon understood did not stem from him but the fear beat into him by the cruel greeting he had to Camelot and his upbringing in Cenrid's kingdom, that kept him from using magic to guide them out of the unnaturally thick fog they'd found themselves in.
"Merlin," Leon tried to coax.
"No good, can't see five steps ahead," Merlin said, interrupting before Leon could even suggest it.
"This isn't a natural fog is it?" he asked instead. He could just about make out the shake of Merlin's head.
"Magical then," Leon guessed. He didn't need to see Merlin to know he'd paled. He did any time Leon brought up magic. That, and he'd heard the sharp intake of breath that meant only one thing.
"Leon," Merlin said, his voice betraying the nerves he felt.
"We've been separated from the others," he pointed out. "You've told me magic is the best way to defeat magic," he said, phrasing it as if it were the tactical solution. Which, it really was. Even if they'd been lost in a natural fog, Merlin guiding them out with magic would still have been the most logically solution.
"But," Merlin tried, an excuse on the tip of his tongue Leon was sure.
"Merlin," Leon interrupted firmly, "while my sword swings for Camelot, my heart is firmly yours. I commit treason daily for you, that won't change. You save Camelot more than I ever could."
"Leon," Merlin said, his voice strained. He reached through the fog and gripped Leon's hand tightly.
"I trust you Merlin," he said. "I love you."
"Are you sure?" Merlin asked, and Leon knew instantly what he was really asking.
"Use your magic to save us, like you always do," Leon urged. Merlin's smile was small, but genuine. He nodded, and did just as Leon had asked.