Wow look at me updating next day! Idk about you guys but I'm super proud of myself for writing this so quickly!

But here it is the last chapter *tears up* a big thank you to everyone who has stuck with me through this story and reviewed favorited and alerted!

I'm not sure if there will be a sequel or not, but I'm thinking about an Epilogue full of some pre Mergona stuff cause they are the cutest couple ever! Just let me know what you guys think in a review.

this chapter is unbetaed so all errors are mine

I sadly don't own Merlin

Several hours later Arthur has abandoned the book he was reading in favor of absently staring at the ceiling. He once again pondered the mystery that was the manservant who was currently scrubbing his floors. Leon had told him that it was Merlin who had gone out in the middle of the night to find the flower that was used to create the anecdote that saved his and his father's lives, yet Merlin hadn't mentioned it nor had he asked for some time off to get the sleep that the dark bags under his eyes told Arthur he desperately needed.

Of course his thoughts brought him back to the questions he had been asking himself ever since Morgouse had let them go, what was a Once and Future King? What made Arthur deserve such a title? Why was it important enough that Morgouse had let them go?

And what did it all have to do with Merlin?

Merlin had finished washing the floors and was about to leave the prince's chambers to start his next chore. Arthur decided now was a good a time as any to get the answers he craved.

"Merlin, what is a Once and Future King?" Arthur called out making his manservant freeze, bucket in hand facing the door "And don't tell me nothing, because I know it means something because Morgouse let us go."

Merlin sighed and placed the bucket of soapy water he had used to wash the floor on the prince's table. He had known that Arthur would ask questions eventually, but with everything that had happened over the last few days Merlin hadn't had time to come up with a good story yet.

"Merlin please tell me, I need to understand what happened back at that castle with Morgouse and why I am a Once and Future King." Arthur wouldn't say he was pleading, princes don't plead, but there was a hint of desperation in his voice that even he could hear. He didn't know why exactly but the words Once and Future King ignited something inside of him, something inside of him that he had to understand.

Merlin turned to face Arthur and easily read the desperation and determination in his eyes. He had to tell the prince something, but he had decide how much of the truth to tell.

"Not a Once and Future King," Merlin began slowly "The Once and Future King. It means that you will be a great King one day Arthur, the best the world will ever know."

Arthur's eyes rounded in shock "But, how do you know?" he stammered

"Because it was prophesized long before either of us was born," Merlin said "Being the greatest king who has ever lived is a part of your destiny."

"But what will I do that is so great?" Arthur asked

Merlin hesitated for a moment before saying "I cannot tell you that Arthur. You must decide to do them yourself of you will never become the man you are destined to be. If I was to just tell you all that you will do you would do them because I told you to, not because it is right."

Arthur sat shocked for a moment as he recognized what his friend was telling him as wisdom well beyond his years. "But what does any of this have to do with you?" he asked

For the first time in this conversation Arthur saw doubt creep into Merlin's eyes as he obviously struggled with what to say.

"It's ok Merlin, you can tell me." he reassured his friend

Merlin still hesitated as he looked at his friend. Was Arthur ready for the truth? Now seemed like the perfect opportunity to tell Arthur everything, but what if Merlin told him now and Arthur really wasn't ready. He had to make one more Decision, the most important of the many he had made so far.

"I am here to protect you," Merlin started slowly deciding to go with half the truth "and guide you, so that you live to be the great king you are destined to be."

"I don't understand," Arthur said shaking his head "Why you? Who decided to allow you to protect me when you can barely protect yourself?"

Merlin hesitated once more, it was now or never. He could tell the truth or lie. But was Arthur ready to handle his secret? Merlin looked at his friend and realized he couldn't tell him. Not because Arthur wasn't ready, but because it would tear his friend apart to have to keep a secret of that magnitude from his father, the king.

"Destiny assigned me to be your protector," Merlin said slowly "As to why, I promise to tell you one day, when you are king, but not now." Merlin held up his hand to stop Arthur who had opened his mouth to protest "I promise one day I will tell you Arthur, just not today. Until then just know that I will always be protecting you."

And Merlin left the Prince's chambers, leaving Arthur deep in thought.

::::

Two nights later Merlin was once again sneaking out of Camelot under the cover of darkness. He had returned to his chambers earlier in the day to find a note neatly folded on his bed.

Emrys,

Meet me in the clearing at midnight.

Morgouse

So half an hour before midnight, Merlin was walking towards the clearing where he had left Morgouse with a dying Morgana two nights previous, wondering what Morgouse had to say to him.

He hoped she wanted to tell him that Morgana had made progress and was no longer going to attack Camelot, but feared that Morgana had said something to change her mind and both sisters would be fighting for Arthur's throne.

He arrived in the clearing to find Morgouse already there waiting for him.

"Emrys," she greeted "How fairs Arthur?"

Merlin crossed his arms and took a defensive stance. He still didn't fully trust Morgouse "Fine, both he and Uther have fully recovered. No thanks to your sister."

Morgouse visibly flinched before saying "I am sorry I did not prevent what happened, but I inform you on my sister's progress. Morgana had fully recovered physically, but will not let go of the illusion that the throne of Camelot is rightfully hers. I have explained the prophecy of the Once and Future King and Emrys to her, and she is less adamant about her right to the throne than before but she will not let go of her hatred of Uther."

"So will she still be attacking Camelot?" Merlin asked

Morgouse shook her head "No, I have placed several magical restraints on her so that it is not possible, but she still wishes to see Uther dead. And I fear she would take the throne of Camelot for herself if she was given the opportunity."

"Despite these setbacks, she had made much progress Emrys," Morgouse continued "and it is all thanks to you. I have learned from my mistakes and will not allow Morgana to harm Arthur or Uther, and I owe you so much for showing clemency to my sister and allowing me to help her. One day I promise to repay you Emrys."

"There is no need to repay me," Merlin said "Just help Morgana."

Morgouse smiled "You really are the greatest of all Merlin." She said as she started chanting and was carried away in a gust of magic to wherever she and Morgana were hiding.

Merlin smiled, uncrossed his arms and headed back for Camelot. Without Morgana in the way, Camelot's golden age could start sooner rather than later, and hopefully Merlin wouldn't have to make any more hard decisions along the way.

So that's it. The end. again thank you to everyone who has read this story.

Please review and tell what you liked and didnt like about this story! I'm talking to everyone here including my silent readers. I know my updating sucks, but I want to know how else I should improve, or what you guys liked that I should keep doing for my next story.

I'm thinking about writing a short multi-fic about Gawaine's past so keep a look out for that and let me know if you guys have any ideas.

Until next time, (or the epilogue) thanks again everybody!

:)