Disclaimer: I don't own BBC Merlin

A/N- Welcome to the final chapter, everyone! I hope you like it and thanks a ton for your support :D

Thanks to Paralelsky for beta-ing. A round of applause for her! Srsly, she's the reason for this fic, remember.

"Explain yourself," the prince commanded.

Sir Edward licked his lips, but answered as though Gwaine wasn't glaring a hole into his back or Arthur's stare was not heavy. "I followed him, Sire. I wanted to see what he was doing."

Merlin swallowed when Arthur looked at him. The prince's gaze trailed down to Merlin's dirt stained hands and the bag with herbs sticking out of it. He eyed the bruise on the servant's sharp cheekbone which encouraged Merlin to look away.

The prince did not acknowledge him, and only narrowed his eyes at Edward. "Am I to assume the fact he is still living to mean that you are satisfied with what you discovered?"

"It is, my lord," Sir Edward responded. Lancelot stopped Gwaine from surging forward but looked like he wanted to hold Edward while the other knight punched. "He's a good man."

Arthur made no reaction save for maintaining his frown. "I will be speaking with you later, for now you are dismissed."

Edward bowed to him and bid goodbye to all of them. Merlin was the only one to reply, the servant dipped his head and tried to be assured by the smile he received.

"Did he hurt you, Merlin?" Gwaine demanded once the door had shut.

"No," Merlin told him, "we only talked."

The knight did not look appeased but before he could open his mouth, Lancelot spoke over him. "Sire, will that be all?"

Merlin's stomach churned uncomfortably though the fleeting look he gave Arthur was hopeful. The prince was not aware of it though. "Yes, thank you, Lancelot."

"We'll be outside," Gwaine said, and Merlin did not know who it was meant for. The two knights trooped out, leaving Arthur and Merlin alone for the first time in two weeks.

Merlin stared at the closed door, trying to steel himself before turning back to the prince. Their gazes met, each wanting to look away but not moving.

"Sit down," Arthur invited hollowly.

Merlin swallowed but did as Arthur asked. In his haste he stubbed his toe on the table leg and fell into the chair. He cleared his throat, feeling the tips of his ears grow red. Instead of being tempted to study his reflection in the polished table he forced himself to look into Arthur's eyes.

The prince did not speak right away, and the hushed tension grew increasingly oppressive. "Why, Merlin?" Arthur's voice was low and tired.

"I had to protect you. You couldn't know about me," Merlin answered quietly. When Arthur's eyebrows stitched together, the warlock burst out desperately, "But I wanted to tell you, Arthur. You have no idea how much."

Arthur shook his head. "You thought I'd kill you."

Merlin flinched but nodded. "Sorcery is against the law."

The prince breathed a grim laugh. "And yet I'm harbouring you."

Merlin looked like he wanted to cry. "I'm thankful. But so, so sorry. You have to believe me."

"...I do. God help me, but I do," Arthur sighed, "I'm not sure I can trust you though."

"I know I lied. I know I betrayed your trust. But, Arthur, I will never betray you," Merlin said strongly. There was a tiny pause before Arthur got out of his seat and paced away, directing his back to Merlin.

He stopped and ran a hand through his golden hair. "Was everything a lie? All of it?"

"No!" Merlin cried and vaulted up from his seat. "I'm still the same person. You're my friend, and I'd still do anything for you." The prince turned and regarded him indecisively, appearing as though he wanted to believe him, but not ready to.

"I'm still the same...stupid servant," Merlin sighed, his voice thick with grief. "What can I do to convince you of that?"

Merlin saw Arthur shake his head before he wandered back to the table. The prince rested his forearms on the back of his chair, unable to sit back down. "Tell me why," Arthur said and clarified when Merlin looked confused. "I don't understand. If you thought I'd have you executed, surely you can't think that highly of me. But you still stayed here in Camelot, risking execution to be, what, my servant?" The prince gazed at Merlin, truly puzzled.

"You are the greatest man I know, Arthur. Being your servant is an honour," Merlin said and continued despite the prince's growing discomfort. "It's my destiny to serve you and help you to be the best king Camelot will ever see. I have faith in you."

"Destiny. Faith? That's it?" Arthur demanded.

"You're my friend," Merlin repeated. When Arthur made no move to speak the warlock ventured, "Can I ask you something?"

A defensive hike hardened Arthur's jaw but he nodded his assent. Merlin opened his mouth but took a deep breath instead of speaking. He did it once more before rushing out, "Do you think I'm evil?" The warlock's shoulders tensed and his hands curled at his sides, but he did not avert his frightened gaze from Arthur's.

"No," Arthur answered without thinking much about it, stung that Merlin doubted him so. He waited until Merlin had deflated back into his seat before he spoke. "You said to me once that you'd be happy to be my servant until the day you died."

Merlin looked up and gave a little smile. "That remains the same."

Arthur had to look down for a moment but he looked back at the warlock and said, "I don't want you to die, Merlin." A grin spread on Merlin's face but faltered when Arthur continued in a serious tone of voice. "That is why there can be no more mistakes."

"I promise," Merlin assured quickly, "there won't be, I swear."

Arthur inclined his head and reclaimed his seat. "Gwaine and Lancelot said they have both caught you numerous times these past weeks. And both of them say you've been more lucky than smart in regards to keeping your secret."Merlin looked away moodily but did not have anything to say. "Gwaine seems to think you risk your life for me on a constant basis."

"Well my breathing is a crime, so I suppose that's true," the warlock said to his hands. He began to pick the dirt under his nails, practically screaming at Arthur that he was lying.

"Don't lie to me," Arthur growled. "I've had enough of that."

Merlin snapped his eyes up to him and bit his lip. "I...I... Yes I've nearly died for you," he admitted tiredly, "and I have killed for you. So many people. I see them, all the men and women I've killed who have wished you harm. But in the end, you lived. And that's what matters."

"You've killed for me?"

Merlin's eyes were bright but he nodded. "I'd understand if you think ill of me. My hands are bloody."

Arthur could only stare at Merlin. Then at his hands which were brown with the dirt caked in them. From the herbs he had picked for Gaius. They were not killing hands, and despite having magic Merlin was the gentlest soul he knew.

"So are mine," Arthur found himself saying. "You should never have come to Camelot. I'm sorry."

Merlin shook his head. "Coming here was the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't want you to be sorry."

The prince did not reply and felt the first fingers of ice thaw from his heart. After gathering his nerves to ask a question that he knew would push him to one choice or another, Arthur licked his lips."And how many times have you nearly died for me?" Merlin looked away from Arthur and did not speak. "Merlin"

"I lost count." Merlin shrugged.

The prince's eyes narrowed. "How could you lose count?"

"Do you keep track of all the duels you win? There's too many." Any other time Arthur would be pleased at the compliment, but it was the worst thing for Merlin to say. Two weeks of trying to convince himself that Merlin had never been Merlin were forgotten about. The young man facing him across the table was undoubtedly the same idiot he met years ago.

"You think that nearly dying is a victory?!" Arthur exploded. He leapt out of his chair and his face was flushed. Merlin jumped. "Are you mad?"

"No, I think both of us living after everything is a victory," Merlin stated honestly, "you don't realize how much we have overcome."

"No. It's how much you have overcome, and I don't know. Because you never told me! You didn't trust me."

"I do tru-"

"No you don't!" Arthur bellowed, "If you did, you would have told me! If you did, you wouldn't have thought I'd kill you! You wouldn't have lied."

"Arthur-"

"No Merlin, you don't trust me. After everything we have been through." Arthur once again sat down but this time he held his head with his hands. "I want to know more about what you've done for me. But I- you need to leave."

Merlin swallowed the lump in his throat but could not hide the tremor in his lips- Arthur did not see because his head was still bowed. The warlock slowly rose to his feet and drifted towards the door. His cobalt eyes stared at the wood for a long while before he dipped his head to his chest. "Your friendship is the greatest treasure that I will ever have," Merlin admitted. "I couldn't bear it if I ruined that."

The prince looked up to see Merlin open the door and walk through it. It shut softly, but allowed entrance to an exhausted silence. Outside the window, night was drawing in.

Merlin did not immediately notice the people standing in the hall. It was the call of his name that had him turning around in weary surprise. Lancelot and Gwaine had waited but it was Gwen who hailed him. "Merlin," she said again and hurried to him.

The maidservant looked tired but when she smiled at Merlin it was bright. "No one will tell me what happened." Her dark eyes glistened with concern and she reached her hand up to cup Merlin's cheek. Her thumb brushed over his bruise worriedly.

"Hello, Gwen," Merlin greeted and offered her a smile that only just reached his eyes.

The dark skinned maidservant searched his eyes and bit her lower lip. "You look terrible, Merlin," she informed him unhappily.

The warlock gave a weak laugh. "Thanks"

"How did it go?" Gwaine questioned eagerly. He stepped beside Gwen, crowding Merlin who took a small step back.

"Better than I thought," the warlock admitted. "He's still unhappy with me. But I can't blame him for that."

"Well did you tell him-"

"Gwaine," Lancelot interrupted. "Are you alright, Merlin? We heard yelling."

The warlock looked at him and thought. "Yeah. Better anyway."

Lancelot smiled reassuringly and Gwaine nodded. Only Gwen did not seem satisfied. Her arms were crossed and she stared at Merlin anxiously. "I want to know what happened between you two," she demanded.

"Gwen-"

"No," she snapped. "I can't stand seeing you and Arthur like this. I can't talk to him if I don't know what's going on."

Merlin sighed heavily. "We are working it out, Gwen. This is between us so please don't be concerned."

"See?" Gwaine commented snidely and the maidservant shot him an unappreciative frown in return.

"He needs you right now," Merlin told her. "I'll find you tomorrow, I promise."

Gwen glanced at Arthur's door unconvinced. "I have a feeling he wants to be alone right now." She turned back to Merlin with a smile. "I will get us all some supper."

"Oh," Merlin uttered in surprise, glancing back to the prince's door. "Where's Hogarth?"

"At the kitchens by now," Lancelot answered.

Gwaine snickered. "I told him to get the princess something to eat. I thought he was going to kiss me, he was so happy to leave."

Merlin nodded and looked to Lancelot. "Do you mind bringing this to Gaius?" He asked and held out his herb bag. Lancelot took it at once. "I'll help Gwen."

Guinevere smiled at Merlin and then indulgently at Gwaine who proclaimed a preference for steak. "We will see what we can do," she said.

Merlin and Gwen set off for the kitchens while the two knights made their way to the physician's chambers. Both servants glanced backwards at the prince's door.

It was late and he was tired but Arthur could not sleep. The prince stood next to the window, lit by the icy moonlight falling in. It hardened the edges of his face and turned his hair to spun silver, cloaking him in pale armour. He could see the courtyard clearly but stared at nothing in particular, going over his and Merlin's conversation in his head. He was rather sick of thinking but his brain, like Merlin, would not shut up. Arthur was still hurt by the lies his friend had spun. But he could not say that he didn't understand why Merlin hadn't told him. Now he was almost grateful, realizing that most if not all of the lucky victories he had achieved over the years were thanks to Merlin- Who never sought any credit.

It took a lot for Arthur to doubt himself, but now he could not understand how he was worthy of such devotion. Especially after ignoring Merlin for the past two weeks and not giving him a chance. The prince snapped his head up, suddenly feeling an unbearable restlessness. He needed to make things right, and hope the younger man could forgive him. He needed to find out what exactly Merlin had done for him.

Arthur nearly walked out the door without any footwear so he hurried back and pulled on his boots. He stumbled putting on the first one, having to hop on one foot to maintain his balance. Content that no one could see him he wasted no time in being embarrassed and carried on with his task. Once fully ready, he strode to his door and wrenched it open only to jump back in surprise when he encountered Lancelot on the other side, with his hand raised to knock.

The two men blinked at each other, Lancelot the first to react by lowering his hand. "Sire," he greeted quietly.

"Lancelot," Arthur replied in kind. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, I just... I wanted-"

"-I'm going to see Merlin now," the prince interrupted. He looked down and hesitated, wanting to ask Lancelot a question.

"Arthur?" Lancelot pressed. He was regarding his friend patiently with a hint of worry for his demeanour.

Arthur exhaled softly and beckoned the knight into his chambers. When he closed the door he spoke quietly. "The defeat of the immortal army was his doing wasn't it?"

Lancelot shifted but nodded. "He wanted to go by himself. But I didn't let him."

An unsurprised smile formed on Arthur's lips. "When did he tell you then? About his... his magic." His smile fell.

"He didn't tell me. I heard him use a spell to kill the griffin when I first came to Camelot," Lancelot answered.

The prince's eyebrows rose sharply and he made a noncommittal sound. "Why am I not surprised?" he droned. When he pressed his lips together and grinded his teeth, Lancelot appeared concerned when nothing was said. The knight was going to talk but was overridden by Arthur. "Do I deserve him?" Arthur pinned Lancelot with a solemn stare.

"I'm not sure if any of us do," was Lancelot's honest reply. "But we owe it to him to be his friends."

Arthur nodded. "Do you know if he is sleeping now?"

"I doubt it."

"Alright," Arthur breathed and strode past Lancelot to open the door. He left the knight without another word and walked purposefully through the halls and toward the physician's chambers. The prince tread quietly, not in the mood to be seen by the guards. When Gaius' door entered his eye sight, lit on either side by mounted torches, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Arthur approached the door slowly and inched it open, wary of waking the physician. It opened with a dull groan, and Arthur sidled inside. Moonlight from the closed window trickled in, pale and strangely welcoming. Gaius was snoring contentedly so Arthur was careful shutting the door behind him.

He eyed the closed door to Merlin's room and began sneaking toward it but when he made it past Gaius, he froze. Merlin's door was opening slowly and sooner than Arthur was ready, the warlock poked his head around. His narrowed eyes widened and locked with the prince's. Arthur straightened and waited for Merlin to react. He glanced back into his room before looking back at Arthur and motioning him forward. Before the prince could even nod, Merlin slid back into his room.

Arthur continued his sneaking and moved up the stairs to Merlin's room so quietly he startled the young man. Arthur offered an amused but apologetic smile which Merlin pretended he did not see. The warlock sat on his bed while Arthur shut the door and found a seat at the small desk near the bed. Two candles were lit, sitting on the dresser and warming the room, keeping the shadows at bay in the corners.

"Couldn't sleep?" Merlin asked guardedly.

Arthur shook his head. "I wanted to apologize," he said to the clear surprise of Merlin. "You've done so much for me, haven't you? And I know you have magic but... well you are my friend too, Merlin."

"I thought... I thought..."

"The immortal army, that was you? You were going to go alone?" Arthur asked him suddenly, keen to avoid any sentimentality.

As ever, Merlin did not do what Arthur wanted. "Are you alright then? With me?" Merlin pressed, sounding like he hardly dared believe it.

The prince paused and stared at Merlin before walking slowly towards him. He sat awkwardly on the bed but gripped Merlin's shoulder, making sure they held eye contact. "Yeah, Merlin. I am," he said quietly. Arthur withdrew his hand and fiddled his fingers. "I'm sorry it took so long, can you forgive me?"

Merlin blinked twice before surging forward and engulfing Arthur in a crushing hug. "Thank you, Arthur, thank you, thank you!" The prince completely froze but his arms rose automatically to return the hug. Merlin clung with a strength that matched Arthur's. After containing ridiculous tears that threatened to fall, Arthur laughed cathartically. "Merlin, I'm happy we're all right. But hugging on your bed, I don't want you get the wrong idea."

The warlock laughed unguardedly and drew back with over bright eyes but a stunning grin. "You dollop head."

Arthur smiled back and nudged Merlin, not moving from beside him. They were quiet before Arthur ventured, "Would you ever have told me?"

Merlin looked down at his hands. "Eventually. I admit I was losing hope."

The prince did not like the admission. He frowned but decided he did not want to press the matter. "The immortal army?" he asked instead.

Merlin met his eyes and nodded. "Both of them," he answered with a hint of a smile on his lips.

The prince exhaled and shook his head. He stood up suddenly and paced the short length of the chambers. "Tell me everything," Arthur said intensely, "everything you have done for me and Camelot. I want to know all of it."

Merlin was silent for a long time but Arthur waited. "There are some things that I..." Merlin started but broke off with an unsteady exhale. His eyes turned pained. "There are things that I have done. Things I can't even forgive myself for. I could not expect you to."

"Merlin," Arthur called powerfully, believing every inch of what he was saying, "I have no doubt that the things you can't forgive yourself for, are things that I can forgive you for."

"You don't understand. I –"

"Shut up. I know that whatever you have done, you did with the best intentions. You are a good person. No one can deny that. Certainly not I. We have all done things to protect the people we love."

Merlin looked at Arthur as if he did not recognize him but he looked down and whispered, "If you want me to I will. I'll tell you everything."

Arthur bit the inside of his lip. "One day I hope you can trust me. But until then, I'll wait. I know that some secrets should remain buried." Merlin simply stared at Arthur while the prince strolled back to sit beside him again. "But I'm trusting you to be honest with me now."

The warlock's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I understand. Arthur, thank you."

Arthur shrugged and smirked pompously. When Merlin made no move to talk, Arthur grew impatient. "Will you tell me what you have done though?"

Merlin's smile expanded into a familiar grin that took weight off of Arthur's shoulders. "It's a long story."

The prince shrugged. "I'm not tired."

"Good," Merlin said and nodded. "I suppose I'll start at the beginning."

By sunrise they had migrated to the roof of the castle. The sky was a blend of rosy golds and fiery reds with a turquoise blush scattered among the vibrant clouds. Camelot was below them- ribbons of wood smoke were winding above the houses, and the forest stood waiting staunchly behind the town. Both Merlin and Arthur leant against the short stone wall separating them from the sky. They stood next to each other with an ease that was stronger than ever, letting silence have a chance. It wasn't long though before Arthur turned to Merlin and the warlock commented quickly, "If you try to thank me one more time I'm dragging you to Gaius."

Arthur hid his smile but gave Merlin a light shove. "I would have thought you would run with it."

"Nah, it's too strange. Come on, gratitude from you?" Merlin teased.

"It is a bit of a stretch," Arthur conceded. But his smile faded and he regarded his friend seriously. "You won't have to be alone anymore. We'll protect each other. None of this risking your life for me."

Merlin smiled at the prince but Arthur could see the acceptance in his eyes. That he knew something Arthur didn't. But the prince did know- that Merlin would always place Arthur first. Well, he knew something too. So Arthur let it rest and looked out over Camelot. They stood in contended calm until Arthur bumped Merlin's shoulder with his own. "You think that I'll be the greatest king the world will ever know?" Arthur began with a wry smile, "You know what, Merlin? You're the greatest idiot that the world will ever know."

Merlin snorted and grinned. "I resent that. Everyone knows I'm much smarter than you."

"Please," the prince scoffed and pushed himself away from the balcony. Merlin followed after stretching his limbs dramatically. Arthur yawned and rubbed at his eye before turning to Merlin. "You have the day off, get some sleep. Tomorrow I need to be up before dawn."

Merlin's grin was visible from Arthur's periphery. "I have my job back then?"

"You're smarter than me? Really?" Arthur asked sarcastically.

"What will Hogarth do?" Merlin wondered after laughing.

"Jump for joy I imagine," the prince guessed.

Unbeknownst to Merlin and Arthur, after he was dismissed with glowing praise and given generous pay, Hogarth found the nearest secluded stairwell and really did jump for joy. His victorious laugh echoed up and down the steps heard only by startled mice. After collecting himself, he walked back out calm as ever, only a glint in his eye reading how relieved he was that everything was back to normal.

Snowy midnight 942- Thank you, I'm glad you liked it :D And thanks for reviewing!

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The end. Thanks for reading, everyone! And thank you for all the reviews, they are lovely! Again, I really hope you guys enjoyed my take on a reveal. Please tell me what you thought, constructive criticism is always welcome :)

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Peace out, guys!