Disclaimer: BBC/Shine own Merlin

Merlin knew he should be happy.

His hometown had been saved and Kanan was dead but, as he stared over the burning pyre that held his best friend, all he could feel was sadness.

He hadn't cried for Will, not yet. He couldn't do it in front of all these people, of Arthur, so he held it all it - yet not even he could ignore the burning sensation in his eyes.

Beside him stood his Prince. Stoic looking as usual, it momentarily angered the boy that his supposed friend was so uncaring. Then again, Will and Arthur hadn't exactly seen eye to eye so it was to be expected.

Eyes never leaving the flames, he startled only slightly to feel the bigger, callused hand slip into his, fingers entwining with his.

It was only when Arthur squeezed his hand, did Merlin allow himself to cry.

Reviews = Love 3