*This chapter and the next one have been re-written from the originals

A what-if situation of Merlin, 5x03. What if Uther had been able to tell Arthur about Merlin's magic? How would Arthur react...And what could come from his decisions?

I do not own Merlin or to BBC.

Merlin

I watch with bated breath, stuck to the wall by the spears Uther threw at me, as Arthur holds up the horn that will send his father out of this world and back into that of the dead.

"You've had your turn," Arthur says, voice thick with emotion. "Now it's mine." He brings the horn to his lips, ready to blow.

"Merlin has magic!" Uther yells quickly. My heart drops.

"Don't try to trick me!" Arthur shouts at the ghost of his father.

"Ask him!"

Arthur shakes his head disbelievingly and blows the horn. Uther gasps as his ghost grows and spreads out, thinning as it does. And then he's gone, and it's just Arthur and I in the armory.

"What was he on about?" I ask shakily after a long moment of silence.

"Is it true?" My blood runs cold at Arthur's question. He stares at me expectantly. His feet planted on the ground in his familiar, strong stance.

"You don't seriously believe him?"

"Is. It. True?" Arthur says very quietly, taking a slight step forward.

I want to make a run for it, but I'm trapped here unless I use magic to free myself; which would just prove Uther's word. I stare at Arthur for a long moment, trying to think of the words to say – but they do not come. He stands there, every bit the King that he is. My silence answers his question, though. He realizes this, and glances away, muttering a series of choice words under his breath.

When Arthur looks back to me, his jaw is set. I know in that moment that this will not go well. Arthur was not ready to learn about my magic - or maybe this is how it was supposed to go all along. Perhaps I wasn't supposed to make it through to see Albion. Either way, I feel my whole world crashing down around me.

"What...What are you going to do?" I ask, surprised at the strength still held in it.

The King walks forward purposefully, not looking me in the eyes. He finally looks up when he reaches me, but I almost wish he hadn't. There is no warmth in his gaze; only anger and betrayal.

"Explain to me," He begins in a very tight tone. "Why you would ever practice magic when you know that it is outlawed? Even the stupidest sorcerers out there would know better than to -"

"-Arthur, please listen to me -" I begin, cutting him off.

"I am talking!" Arthur shouts, slamming the palms of his hands against my shoulders, pushing me further into the wood behind me. I flinch at his aggressiveness, eyes wide as I stare at him in surprise. Arthur stands that way, holding me still, with my face inches above his. The worst thing is the murderous glare he is giving me. "All these years I thought I could trust you! I called you friend, Merlin! You were my best friend for years and this whole time you've been plotting against me! What have you been doing with all of Camelot's information, hmm? Selling it to Morgana? To someone else? Storing it in that evil head of yours so you would know the perfect time to attack?"

"N-no!" I protest, shaking my head quickly. "I promise, Arthur, that everything I have done was to protect you and Camelot! I have saved your life countless times - saved everyone's lives! Like Gaius, Uther, the Knights, and even Gwen! You have no idea how hard I've worked to keep everyone safe!"

"Liar!" Arthur cries, drawing away from me, pointing an accusatory finger. "Magic is evil and that's all it is! And after all it's done to me - done to my family - you want to convince me that you've been using it for good? You betrayed me, Merlin. You've betrayed all of Camelot!"

"Arthur, I know how magic has harmed you over the years, but that was because of all the people who use it for evil – I'm not like that, I never have been. Besides, I was born this way - I didn't have a choice in the matter!"

"Guards!"

"No - Please, it's my destiny to protect you and all of Camelot -"

"Shut up," Arthur snarls at me. The words that we used to toss around so carelessly seem to bite into me. "You lost all right to speak to me when you became a traitor."

The guards run in at that moment, with Gwaine behind them. They all seem shocked at the sight before them, but Gwaine most of all.

"What is it, Princess?" The Knight asks confusedly. "I thought there might be an intruder. Why's Merlin pinned? Let him down!"

"Take him to the cells and watch him closely. He is to be executed for treason in the morning." Arthur's words are too much; a punch in the stomach, which literally leaves me gasping for breath.

The guards start forward in shock, but they follow their King's orders. Or they would have, if Gwaine had not shoved them back. He storms over to Arthur, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him roughly.

"What in the world are you talking about?" He shouts. "Merlin is a friend to us all and a bloody better manservant than you give him credit for! He has done nothing to deserve to be executed!"

Arthur shoves Gwaine away with such fierceness that the Knight hits the wall behind him. "He," the King states, pointing to me, "is a sorcerer and a traitor to us all! He has been practicing magic, waiting for the perfect moment to strike!"

Gwaine looks between Arthur and I several times before responding, shaking his head. "Even if that is true, you of all people should know that he would never do anything to hurt any of us! He is loyal and just and deserves to live - no matter what kind of things he might have done!"

"Guards, take the sorcerer to a cell like I ordered," Arthur commands. None of the men move immediately. "Now!" Gwaine starts forward once again, but Arthur's authoritative hand holds him back. "And if you get in the way I swear you will be locked up for a week." The Knight looks at him in shock, but seemingly forces himself to stand back.

The guards pull the spears from the wood and instantly shackle my hands behind my back before ushering me toward the door.

"Arthur, you've been through far too much tonight already – I know that. You're not thinking clearly. But please, I know you don't want this. Don't make a mistake that you can't undo!"

The guards hold me secure, but they have stopped moving, waiting with me for Arthur to respond. When he doesn't, I plow on.

"I'm your friend. You're my king. And I will never do anything to hurt you." I stop there, unsure of anything else to say.

"Knock him out so he doesn't try to escape. The execution will be at first light tomorrow."

A lone tear trickles down my cheek, and I meet Gwaine's pain stricken, angry gaze before there is a firm yet careful blow and darkness engulfs me.

I'm finally writing again! Woohoo! I actually managed to find a story idea that I am pleased with - so stay tuned for another long story! Please follow, favorite, and review :)