AN: Sorry this took a while. Somehow I was under the false impression that I had already posted this... Oops, silly me. Anyway, hope you enjoy :)

The royal carriage rolled up to the last house in the kingdom, and Morgana sighed.

"This must be it, there's nowhere else," Morgana told Arthur, who nodded.

"Must be," he said. Lancelot had requested that Arthur not tell Morgana of Merlin's true identity because apparently it would complicate things, however Arthur was determined that Morgana would find out one way or another. Although Arthur had to admit that he'd sort of rather Morgana marry a noble, she was head-over-heals in love and Merlin certainly seemed to be very nice. He couldn't stand the thought of Morgana never finding out where Merlin was.

The front door opened revealing Alined Tremaine and his son's smiling faces.

"Welcome, your highness," Alined bowed deeply.

"May we come in?" Arthur requested, and Alined nodded quickly.

Arthur, Morgana, Gwaine and a knight named Sir Leon entered the house. Gwaine forced himself not to demand Merlin's whereabouts, but he already despised Alined. He was clearly a sneaky snake of a man, as far as Gwaine was concerned.

"The neckerchief," Sir Leon produced a scrap of blue material. Valiant looked shocked, however he was quick to make the expression disappear. A few moments later, Morgana shook her head.

"Have you no other men in the house?" Arthur demanded.

"Valiant, my son, is the only eligible man here," Alined shrugged helplessly.

Arthur frowned deeply. This man was lying to royalty, that was a punishable crime. Plus, this man's son was a knight! Arthur would never fault Lancelot for his father's mistakes, but the disrespect made Arthur's blood boil.

"You don't even have a servant?" Arthur spat.

"Sire," Leon stepped forward quickly. "We must take Master Tremaine at his word."

Alined nodded slowly, however Gwaine found he couldn't hold back any longer.

"What's happened to Merlin, then?" Gwaine's voice was dangerous. Morgana's eyes widened.

"Merlin?" She asked. "You know Merlin?"

Alined swallowed suddenly, looking at the knights with unease.

"Tell us, now!" Morgana shouted. "You clearly know Merlin, are you doing something so foolish as hiding him?"

Alined backed up quickly. Suddenly he seemed far more fearful of Morgana than the knights.

"Oh, you are referring to the serving boy?" Alined looked as if he just now understood this. Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Yes, the servant, also known as your stepson, if Lancelot didn't inform me incorrectly."

"You knew where he was and yet we trekked all over the kingdom?" Morgana hissed to Arthur, who told her he'd explain later.

"He's just... He's upstairs. I'll go get him," Alined bowed deeply.

"I'll come with you," Gwaine replied. "Lead the way."

Alined hesitated before he hurried up the stairs, Gwaine right behind him. Finally they reached the top of the steps and Alined knocked on the door. There was a choked sob from inside, and then a tearful voice asked what it was, adding a quick 'sir' on the end.

"Merlin, there is someone here to see you," Alined awkwardly eased the door open. The boy knelt on the ground, a bunch of torn rags clasped in his hands. His face was puffy and tear streaked, and he didn't bother to stand up.

"Go away," his voice was cold, colder than Gwaine had ever expected.

"But my son, you have visitors," Alined's voice was falsely kind.

"You are not, and have never been my father."

Alined stepped forward threateningly, however Gwaine caught Alined's upraised arm in his hand and wrenched him away from the boy.

"Don't you go a step closer," he spat.

"Gwaine," Merlin leaped to his feet. "What? What are you doing here?"

"Morgana has been searching the kingdom for you," Gwaine smiled at the boy, helping him to his feet. "Didn't you get the letter?"

Merlin shook his head sadly. Gwaine's eyes narrowed, however he simply lead Merlin toward the door.

"I forbid you to go down there!" Alined spoke up.

"You have no power over me," Merlin replied, and he and Gwaine hurried from the room, leaving Alined to shout in rage.

MMM

The moment Merlin appeared at the head of the stairs, Morgana's eyes lit up.

"Merlin," she curtsied, though after a moment she seemed to forget about the curtsy and rushed forward to meet Merlin.

"My lady, the neckerchief," Leon spoke up.

"I don't need the neckerchief to recognize him," Morgana smiled warmly.

"Morgan, I mean Morgana, you do know I'm just a serving boy, right?" Merlin gulped. "I'm a nobody, and you're meant to marry a noble."

"You know those times when you think you have a duty, but your heart tells you otherwise? You must always listen to your heart," Morgana replied, and Merlin beamed.

"Okay, glad you've found each other, but Merlin will have to, uh, look a bit more noble for father to ever approve," Arthur interrupted the scene. "Sorry, but you know it's true."

Morgana rolled her eyes, yet after a moment she shrugged.

"He'll come to appreciate you for who you are, but Arthur may be right..." Morgana trailed off.

"The suit!" Gwaine declared. "Where is it?"

"Alined planned to burn it..." Merlin trailed off with a gulp.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Arthur suddenly noticed Valiant disappearing up the stairs, and he ran after him. A few moments later he returned with the struggling Valiant, and the suit, perfectly intact.

"It's alright!" Merlin had to blink quickly to keep his eyes from filling with tears. It brought back so many good memories. It wasn't just a clothing item, it was a memory of a wonderful time that was suddenly leaping into his mind.

"I'm glad," Morgana squeezed Merlin's hand. "You needn't worry about my father, I'll take care of any complaints."

"As will I," Arthur finally spoke up. "You seem a good man, Merlin. Welcome to the Pendragons."

Merlin smiled, overcome with joy. All he could do was choke out his thanks and his love for Morgana, and then the group made it's way toward the palace where Lancelot met Merlin with open arms.

MMM

It is unknown what exactly became of Valiant and Alined, beyond the fact they were banished from the kingdom. After Morgana had a long conversation with the king, and Uther eventually welcomed the brother of Sir Lancelot. Merlin become the best of friends with all the knights and his brother-in-law the prince, and he and Morgana were joyfully married. After all, who would know the story better than the new king, Arthur himself? I saw it all happen, and I'm rather glad my sister started this tradition of marrying servants, or I would have never paid attention to my wife, Gwen. She used to be Morgana's former serving girl, but now she is the queen who sits beside me, patiently ruling the kingdom.

I think it's safe to say this story ends as most fairy tales do: And they all lived happily ever after.

The End.

AN: Hope you liked it! Please review :)