Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

Chapter 1

The past few weeks has proved to be quite dreary since Guinevere has been sent into exile following her apparent betrayal. There was almost an unspoken rule that her name was never to be uttered by anyone, especially when Arthur was around.

It hasn't been the best of times as of late and Merlin wasn't quite sure what was to happen. He knew Arthur and his dear best friend were meant to be together, but the recent events have made Merlin falter a bit.

Arthur had them gathered in the council room for an important announcement. Merlin stood next to Gaius, feeling a bit uneasy as Arthur prepared to make his speech.

"As many of are aware, Camelot has long been in dispute with Nemeth over our claims to the lands of Gedref. After much consideration and confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement," Arthur announced.

Hush utterances and murmurs spread throughout the crowd upon hearing the news. Aside from the mentioned land disputes, Nemeth was the last kingdom to accept the ban of magic law during Uther's reign. The kingdom had a very high tolerance for magic until Uther's armies reached their borders and they were forced to adhere to the new laws.

King Rodor had many knights who had the gift, including a certain warlock who now works as a servant for Arthur. The king wasn't very strict on imposing the law, but nevertheless was forced to forbid his knights and citizens from practicing. For this reason, the people were not at ease considering how often the two kingdoms were at odds.

Arthur continued, "There's no need to worry," he reassured. "The agreement is fair and benefits both of our kingdoms. Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. My hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness," Merlin took in a breath.

"Princess Mithian."

As the crowd in the room cheered and applauded, Merlin felt his heart stop at the mention of a very old friend. Old memories flashed in his eyes as he remembered his life in Nemeth. His life as a trusted knight under Rodor, his life where he didn't have to hide his magic, his life as the son of the royal physician. A happier and simpler time. It's been about four years since he had left that life behind, but it seems his past has finally caught up to him.

He remembered his last day in the kingdom. Since magic was banned, he felt he had to leave for Camelot in order to be able to control his ever growing powers. He didn't want to leave, but he was starting to feel as though he was a great danger to the kingdom. While he doesn't regret leaving for the safety of Nemeth, he did regret leaving behind a certain princess.

He couldn't cheer and applaud along with the others, even when Gaius told him to. He barely attempt to put his hands together, his mind at a complete loss.

Flashback:

"If this is about what happened, Merlin-" Mithian began to say before Merlin cut her off.

"My mother's already arranged for me to go to Camelot," he sighed. "I need to be able to control my powers. It's not safe for me to be here."

"And you think it's safer for you to be there," she scoffed. "The king of Camelot launched a war against magic for years and you think it's safer for you to live there?" While she was a bit angry, the princess was on the brink of tears.

"It's not my first choice," he said quietly. "If I had any other choice, I would stay here with you."

"What if you get caught practicing magic," she fired. "And what if you get hurt? Or worse?" She argued. "Camelot is the last place you should be in."

"It's where my uncle Gaius lives."

"And there's nobody in this kingdom that can help you?" There really wasn't. Anyone who could be of any help had vanished in hopes to to escape Uther's wrath, or they were dead. They both knew that.

He tried to take her hands in his, but Mithian took a step back. Merlin looked down, hurt by her actions. She didn't want him to leave, and she especially didn't want him to go to a kingdom that would rather see him and his people killed than accepted. While she hasn't yet admitted to him, or even herself, she loved him. They've been friends for so long, and she doesn't know any other man who would go to great lengths to protect the ones he loves.

"I leave tomorrow at first light," he murmured. It didn't look like she wanted to talk any more, and there probably wasn't a lot for him to say that would make her feel better.

By the time Merlin had awoken from his daydream, the council meeting had officially ended. He shook his head and chased Arthur down the halls. While, he very taken aback by the announcement for his own reasons, he also knew that Arthur can't possibly marry her.

"Arthur," he called. "Why am I just now hearing about your marriage to Mithian?"

The king rolled his eyes. "That's what confidential means, Merlin. Keeping it from blabbermouths like you."

Merlin shook his head. "You're not seriously marrying her, are you?" He wasn't sure if he was in denial for himself or for the sake of Arthur, who was still in love with Guinevere. "Don't you think it's a bit soon?"

Arthur felt considerably stiff, knowing the implications of that question. "What do you mean?" He asked anyway. Merlin walked around the question, not knowing how to answer. "Do you mean Guinevere?" Merlin still didn't say anything, fully aware of the unspoken rule. "I told you not to speak of her again."

"I didn't say anything," Merlin defended himself.

"Do I need to remind you that Guinevere betrayed me Merlin," Arthur snapped. "She made her choice and now she has to live with the consequences."

The circumstances behind Guinevere's betrayal didn't seem to quite fit as Merlin couldn't truly believe she was capable of doing such a thing. He honestly believes Morgana had a hand in those events, but kept to himself as he had no proof she did such things.

"But-"

"But what, Merlin?" Arthur rested his case when Merlin fell silent. "That's what I thought." He turned to exit the halls.

"But you still love her," Merlin's voice had a bit of weight in it as he said this, hoping it would help Arthur realize he couldn't go through with the marriage.

The king stopped dead in his tracks, and took a short breath before he walked in Merlin's direction. "You say something like that again and I'll have you join her in exile," he threatened.

The two gave each other hardened looks before Arthur officially turned around and left the corridor.

Merlin walked back to his chambers, still unnerved by todays news. He didn't even realize he had already been back in his room and was just standing there until Gaius coughed.

"What's going on with you, Merlin?" While Gaius wasn't completely aware of Merlin's life back at Nemeth, he did notice his apprentice's change in demeanor at the council meeting.

Merlin looked up at his uncle, not knowing what to say. His mind was still stuck on the fact that he was going to see Mithian again. After four long years, he was finally going to see her again. The princess that has always had a special place in his heart.

"Does this have to do with a certain wedding?" Gaius spoke again, in hopes to pull Merlin out of his trance.

The warlock blinked a few times before taking a seat. "I don't talk about Nemeth much." Gaius raised his signature eyebrow. "I mean, you knew that I used to be a knight and that I was able to use magic freely there, but-" Merlin shook his head. "Arthur can't be serious. He can't get married, not to her."

Merlin put his head down, and sighed. It's not like they ever courted, and it's not like him and Mithian were ever supposed to be together, but he just couldn't wrap his mind around it. He obviously didn't expect her to wait for him. It's been so many years, and she hasn't ever heard from him. Nobody knew about his past life in Nemeth. It's almost as if it never existed, but it's like the news flooded his mind with old memories and feelings he thought he had shut out.

"Merlin?" Gaius looked concerned. Merlin has been through a lot since he came to Camelot, and he wonders what's gotten him so rattled.

"I think I should get some sleep," he simply said before going into his small quarters. "Good night, Gaius." The physician didn't press further and Merlin could hear a soft good night as he laid in his bed.

At the early hours of dawn, a young warlock packed his things on his horse with his mother. He looked back at the castle doors in hopes that maybe Mithian will come say goodbye, but the doors remained shut.

King Rodor, on the other hand, descended down the stairs to bid his best knight farewell. While Merlin was average at best with a sword, he was a very trustworthy knight and has saved his life many times with magic. The king patted his back with a fond smile.

"Be careful, Merlin," Rodor advised. "As you know, Camelot isn't very welcoming of your kind. I wish you the best and remember you will always have a home here in Nemeth to come back to." Merlin smiled sadly, hating goodbyes. He glanced at the large doors again and the king noticed. Rodor did not say anything as he wasn't completely sure if his daughter would come see him off. He only clapped his shoulder once and nodded to him as he went back inside.

Merlin sighed as he packed the rest of his things for the journey and hugged his mother tightly. Hunith held his face warmly as she readied to bid farewell to her only son. "Promise me you'll write to me," Merlin nodded with a smile. "I love you, my son. I hope you find everything you're looking for." She hugged once more, tighter than the last if that was even possible.

As Merlin mounted his horse and started to head out, he heard a loud cry coming from the steps of the castle. "

No wait!"

He quickly turned his head to find Mithian running towards him hurriedly. He jumped off his horse just in time to feel her body crash into his. His arms held her tightly as she buried her face into his chest, silent tears running down her face.

"Don't go," she whispered. "Please don't leave me." Merlin snuggled his face into her neck as their embrace grew tighter. "Please, Merlin."

Mithian looked up at him, pulling her head away from his chest. Merlin wiped away her tears lightly before wiping away one of his own stray tears. He found it hard to look at her as he already had a hard time leaving before she came around. He swallowed and took a deep breath. In their closeness, he could feel their rapid heartbeats slowing down as they gazed into each others eyes. Both of his hands found themselves cupping her tear stained cheeks.

As much as he wanted to kiss her, he'll never be able to leave so his hands dropped to her sides. Due to how early it was, there wasn't any people in the courtyard, but he still couldn't risk it. While he is a trusted knight, Merlin wasn't a lord and he wasn't from some great royal family. He couldn't just kiss the princess.

Mithian, on the other hand, saw his apprehension and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Her heart started beating a rapid rate, but she needed this. She leaned up and kissed him passionately. Merlin quickly gave into the kiss, pulling her even closer to him which allowed her to fully relax in his arms as they both gave it their all in this kiss.

Neither of them knew when their feelings began to develop. Years of longing looks and flirty conversations, both had no idea just how much they wanted and needed each other. It was at this moment they realized how long they have been hiding their feelings from each other.

They eventually pulled apart from each other, both gasping for breath and their foreheads lightly touching.

"I love you," Merlin whispered.

This was the first time he admitted his feelings for her. Now, more than ever, he wished he had said it sooner.

"Don't go," she begged again. "Please."

Those words reminded Merlin that he was leaving, and for good reason. He was a danger in Nemeth. He couldn't stay, especially after what had happened.

He gave her one last kiss on the cheek before taking a step back. Mithian stood still, unable to move as he remounted his horse.

Merlin turned around to face her one more time. As they gazed at each other, Mithian mouthed to him three words.

"I love you."

The next day, Merlin found himself standing on the steps of the castle, awaiting Princess Mithian's arrival. Arthur greets the knights and Merlin braced himself as the guards stepped their horses away to reveal the princess. While it was wishful thinking, he thought maybe there was another Princess Mithian from another Nemeth.

However, that was most definitely not the case. When Merlin opened his eyes, the princess had uncovered her veil and his blue eyes locked with her soft brown ones.

Author's Note: After rewatching the series, I absolutely fell in love with Merlin and Mithian and this idea came to mind and I just decided to write it. All the flashbacks will be written in italics. I hope you like it and thank you so much for giving this a read!