Author's note:

I'm not even going to try and excuse why i haven't wrote, just that i'm sorry for the wait. I hope you like next chap shit hits the fan...

Chapter 6

Prince Merlin was sat at his brother's desk, currently head down concentrating. The Crown Prince was due to give a speech tommorow so naturally he passed it of to Merlin to review and make sure it was perfect. A knock at the door startled him but he was grateful for the distraction.

"Enter!" The door opened and revealed the King's ward in her ethereal beauty, Merlin smiled fondly but that disappeared when he saw the worry etched on Morgana's beautiful face.

"What is it Morgana? you seemed troubled" There was a huge pause as the two assessed each other, Morgana tried to find the right words.

"The serving girl in the courtyard...You were flirting with, What's going on Merlin?" Merlin looked confused for a minute but it hit him of course she meant Freya. "I only just met her Morgana, but she's so lovely. I've never met someone so mesmerizing, she's...she's amazing." It was worrying how meeting her once had a effect on him, he was infatuated for sure. He looked up at Morgana with a dopey smile which faltered, She looked miserable, irritated and scared.

"Merlin!" He snapped out of his thoughts of Freya hearing Morgana's sharp voice, "You can't do this! This will end very very badly your a Prince, she's a maid just please don't do this." Merlin sighed running a hand through his hair She was right, how could it possibly work, He had a duty to fulfill to his king and the people of Camelot that had to come first even before him. He thought of courting another, marrying another but it felt so wrong he wanted to throw up. This was bad he was falling very fast and very hard for someone he barely knew, deep down he knew it was destiny linking them.

He could work something out though, He was technically 2nd in line to the throne, but Arthur's son's would be King, his job was to be the right hand man to the king to rule together, he could still do his duty right?... Morgana looked more annoyed if possible.

"Stop it Merlin! Don't even go there, This cannot happen!"

" I understand Morgana, I do but if you remove His Royal Highness Prince, then i'm just Merlin we are all human love doesn't choose titles it chooses hearts. Maybe..."

"No!" Morgana cut him off

"You just can't do this" She glared at him. Merlin scoffed.

"Why not? why are you so bothered by it?"

Just then someone knocked the door, The royals composed themselves before Merlin shouted "Enter!" It was a servant.

"Sire, My Lady, the King requests your presence at the dinning table." Merlin nodded "We will be right there, thank you" The servant bowed and left.

"I don't want to discuss this anymore, excuse me i need to prepare for dinner" Merlin said ignoring Morgana who sighed as she left.

The Pendragon family settled at the table for dinner as servants were busy serving, Crown Prince Arthur saw a chance to ask about a trip he had planned.

"Father, Mother I've heard from Lord Edwin there is amazing wildlife to hunt at The Valley of the Fallen Kings, I was hoping i could go hunting to see it tommorow." The King finished drinking placing the goblet down smiling at his eldest "Of course Arthur sounds like an amazing opportunity to utilize your hunting skills." Morgana and the Queen had their doubts however.

Arthur smirked at his younger brother, the brothers had a bet if Arthur would be allowed to go, Merlin voted no and stuck his tongue out. Igraine dropped her fork at the plate "Arthur the valley is a very dangerous place to hunt, you shouldn't put yourself in unnecessary danger, your family and Camelot need you well maybe hunt somewhere less life threatening" It was Merlin's turn to smirk at his older brother, Arthur frowned.

"For goodness sake Igraine the boy can't tip toe around the kingdom or hide behind his mothers skirt, he has to become independent,a brave warrior, protector of the realm let him grow up a bit"

"Exactly Uther he's just a boy, I can't knowingly dangle my child to predators"

"He won't be by himself my love, Knights and Guards will protect him if he is unable to"

"So I can go?" Arthur looked at his parents hopefully.

"Very well, but be careful Arthur" the Queen relented. "Thank you mother, i will i promise"

After dinner was finished Arthur cornered Merlin.

"Pay up then Idiot" Arthur grinned as Merlin grumbled pulling his coins out "You don't have to be so smug about it clotpole" he said handing the money over.

Arthur pocketed the money and grinned "Actually i have to be, i won as usual"

"Prat"

"Idiot"

Arthur turned to go to his room

"Cabbage head!" all that came in response was Arthur's laughter.

Meanwhile in a secluded cave somewhere a hooded figure watched the whole scene from a crystal wall, smirking...

"Excellent, The trap is set Prince Arthur, your capture will surely bring Merlin to my clutches!"...

Authors note:Dum dum deeeeerm

will Arthur be in danger?

will Merlin save him?

is Morgana jealous?

stay tuned...