This short story is a part of the "Different Path" series that started with the story "It Could Be Worse" The content of this story occurs just after "It Could Be Worse".

Caution: This story is a reveal fic, and may contain a number of issues that might offend the delicate or sensitive about same sex couples, violence, anguish, torment, blood, gore and guts. Please steer clear if any of this may offend you.

Miracles happen when it is least expected, and especially so when the creators of the miracle intended to force the hand of a powerful King. When several sorcerer's band together to force the King to choose between his laws against magic or the life of a grandchild. The King ultimately chooses the life of the child. When Prince William, son of the Crown Prince Arthur and Merlin, the Prince Consort, is born the King offers his kingdom a gift. When introducing his grandson Prince William, Uther legalizes the magical arts of Seeing, Healing, and Agriculture.

News of the legalization of some magical arts spread quickly throughout the kingdom, finding supporters and opposition among the people. Debates rose up in the outlying villages with only a very few coming to the point of violence. Still, the debates and the suspicion that the news might be a means to flush out the lingering man or woman who held any hint of skill managed to delay any actual registration of a sorcerer or witches.

Decades of fear and persecution were hard to forget and caused a great deal of hesitation for those who held some skill. In the end it was the Druids who started the registrations when they came forth to be formally recognized with their skills in the arts of healing and agricultural nurturing.

For others with closer ties to the court and the king, the opportunity was still a delicate matter that had not yet been embraced. While there was limited fear of persecution for having the allowed magical abilities, there was still a great fear of how others in the court would take one of their own emerging after so boldly hiding under the nose of the King.

"I'll register with you Merlin," Gaius offers a full five weeks after the legalization had been announced. "We've both seen the Druids come, register, and then move along at their leisure. I'm sure that neither Uther nor Arthur will object."

"They both have always known that you did dabble with magic before the purge. I think they half expect you to register. Me, I'd like to talk to Arthur first." Merlin insists as he fusses over his infant son. "I've tried a few times, but he's so easily distracted that we end up exploring other, um, things."

Gaius frowns at Merlin. "Merlin, I'm sure I don't want to know, but I will remind you that you delay your own healing by disregarding my advice."

"William's just over five weeks old now." Merlin says, quickly changing the subject to the infant sleeping in the cradle by the window. "I am trying to talk to him about my magic, but finding a starting point for the discussion is difficult. It's just that my magic doesn't quite fit into any of the categories the King has legalized so I don't really have a clue about where to begin."

"You can do all of them and more." Gaius says nodding with understanding.

"Can you imagine," Merlin says with a wave of his hand, "Well you see Arthur, I'd like to register, but the categories are limiting. What category would I need in order to properly register? All powerful, most powerful Warlock to have ever lived, or perhaps a generalized category that define the kind of wizard that brings terror to the hearts of all."

Shaking his head, Gaius draws his hands behind his back and sighs. "You are unique Merlin, and more powerful that anyone could possibly consider, but you should take advantage of what you are permitted to do."

"I know, it would make things a good bit easier for me," Merlin says as the young Prince starts to fuss. "I know I have to do something soon. There is chance that William will develop some of my talents. It would be better to tell Arthur in advance instead of letting him watch our son levitate something across the room." Signing heavily the Warlock lifts the young Prince William to his shoulder. Patting the infant's back, a soft burping sound brings a smile to the Warlock's lips. "I'll talk to Arthur tonight and see about registering tomorrow."

A soft knock sounds at the door, drawing Merlin's attention. "Enter," He calls out with a friendly tone as he turns to greet the Nurse Teresa. "He's just woke up and hasn't made any demands yet." He says as he offers the precious bundle to the nurse. "The King has asked me to do a few things this afternoon, and I've got a few things to do for Prince Arthur, so William will be with you for most of the afternoon if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all my Lord," Teresa says as she accepts the squirming bundle. "You're such an attentive father that I often have very little to do as his nurse." She adds with a smile.

Merlin blushes deeply. "Just trying to do what's right. And thank you Teresa, you're an angel."

The Nurse blushes herself and then curtsies. "Thank you my Lord," Teresa says before turning to the open door. Finding herself face to face with the Crown prince she curtsies' again.

With a large smile, Arthur peers down into the bundle held in Teresa's arms and smiles. "It won't be long until you'll be following us on a tour." Arthur says before brushing a finger against the infant's cheek. Looking up and into the room, the Prince lifts his chin. "You ready Merlin?"

"Ready and still not sure what point there is sending me along with you. You're the face that inspires." Merlin says with a wink towards Gaius.

"Perhaps," Arthur says with a sly smile as he steps aside to allow Teresa to leave with the infant. "But I rather like the idea of bringing you along in case there is any work that needs done."

"We certainly wouldn't want to get your hands dirty." Merlin says with a slight curl to the corner of his mouth.

With a hint of a smile, Gaius steps towards the door. "I have rounds to do, so I shall leave the both of your to your duties."

"I'll see you tomorrow Gaius, and we'll take care of that matter we discussed." Merlin says with an expression of determination on his face.

"I look forward to it," Gaius says as he departs after giving Merlin one last stern glance.

"Care to explain?" Arthur asks glancing at the now empty doorway and then to his spouse.

"Not right now, but we definitely need to talk later." Merlin says as he shifts from one foot to the other. "So, the King wants us to tour the lower city? Anything particular he wants us to do?" Merlin says with a change in the subject. "And don't you think it odd that he wants me to tag along behind? I mean, really, he tolerates me, but never actually sent me on anything remotely royal."

"You know father was waiting on Gaius to give approval for you to resume normal activities." Arthur says as his arms cross over his chest. "And I did notice that you've changed the subject."

"We can talk later," Merlin says with smile, "Let's get going."

Reaching out a hand, Arthur grabs Merlin's upper arm. "Something's been on your mind for nearly a month. We can talk now."

Looking down at Arthur's restraining hand and then up into his blue eyes, Merlin's smile weakens slightly. "Do you recall the King's speech where he legalized certain Magical arts?"

"What about it?" Arthur says with a slight narrowing of his eyes as he sweeps his gaze over his spouses face looking for something more to what's being said.

"Gaius and I would like to register under the art of Magical Healing." Merlin blurts out. Wringing his hands his smile fails completely and he looks down. "And perhaps at the same time I could also register as a seer and also for the agricultural arts."

"Sorry?" Arthur says with a slight furrowing of his brow. "You do know that the registration is for those with the skills, Merlin." Pulling him closer, the Prince eyes Merlin carefully, "If you're curious about studying magical healing and the other arts you don't need to register unless you show some skill."

"I know Arthur. I hold some talent in the arts." Merlin says still looking down and shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "But I do believe that I will certainly grow stronger once I can openly practice."

"So you're telling me that you have magic?" Arthur asks in a guarded tone.

Merlin nods once in reply.

"And how long has this been going on?" Arthur asks as he drops his hand from Merlin's arm. Taking a step back, he continues to watch his spouse carefully.

"I was born with magic. I could move things since before I could talk." Merlin asks while glancing up to look into Arthur's face as if to gage his reaction. Shifting uncomfortably as it becomes clear that the Prince is not receiving the news of magic in his house very well. "Seeing, and healing aren't exactly my strong points. I'm sure it isn't anything that could be considered remarkable."

"If seeing and healing aren't your strong points, then what are your strong points?" Arthur asks in a neutral tone.

"Um," Merlin says looking up at Arthur and tilting his head to the side. "I'm not sure how to describe it."

"Then find a way!" Arthur says firmly with little humor and even less familiarity in his tone. Impatience has replaced affection in his expression.

Merlin flinches slightly. "Um, I suppose instinctual magic is my greatest strength. I can cast most basic things with just a thought."

"And you're skilled with enchantments?" Arthur asks with a hint of distaste. "And offensive spells that can immobilize an enemy? And possibly control things and actions to some degree?"

"Yes, I have such skills." Merlin answers with a frown. "I am trying to be honest with you Arthur and I am the same person I've always been."

"It makes me wonder." Arthur says without hiding the suspicion of betrayal in his face. "How much did you help Agatha and the other sorcerer's who enchanted me during our captivity?" Arthur asks as he turns around and runs his hand through his hair. "Were you part of the plan or did you just choose not to use these so called offensive and defensive spells so you might gain the benefits." His shoulders stiffen as he adds, "And once my father learns of your skills, I'm sure he'll wonder if you've placed enchantments on both him and I."

"I didn't …." Merlin begins to say, his complexion growing paler with each word Arthur speaks. Lingering fear on the topic of revealing his magic chokes him up so that no other words can escape his lips. Each time he'd envisioned what would result when he revealed his magic, it had all been bad, horrible in fact, but this hit harder than anything he'd imagined before. The suggestion that he had aided in the torment that they had experienced struck deeper than any sword. The pain swelling inside reflected in his expression and his eyes as Merlin stared at Arthur's back.

The Warlock's eyes blaze golden and Arthur's painful words end as time slows. Unwilling or possibly unable to bear any more, Merlin runs and he continues to run as time slips back to normal a few moments later. At the end of that time, Arthur turns to find himself alone.

A quick sweep of the room showed the only change to be the open door to the chambers, and the Prince quickly moved to follow Merlin out the door, only to find the corridor empty. Slamming the door closed, Arthur heads to the most likely destination of his spouse. Certainly Merlin would go to their child a few doors down the hall in the nurse's quarters.

Knocking on the door, Arthur is left to wait less than a minute before Teresa opens the door with Prince William in her arms. "My Lord," she says with a curtsy. "How may I help you?"

After a brief glance over the nurse's shoulder, the Prince's gaze rests upon his son for an instant before looking up into Teresa's eyes. "Is Merlin here?" He asks.

Confusion, flickers over the nurse's face and she shakes her head. "No sire, has the plan for the afternoon changed? If so he has not arrived here yet to tell me."

"No, no change," Arthur quickly replies as he once more looks into his son's face, "There's just been a misunderstanding, that's all. Thank you Teresa." Without further word, Arthur heads back down the hall towards the stairs. "Where would he go?" he mutters aloud as self-doubt over his words to Merlin begins to take hold of him.

Arriving in front of the Court Physician's door, Arthur raises a hand to knock.

"Arthur?" Gaius says from behind him. "I thought you and Merlin were to tour the lower city. Has something happened?" He asks, glancing around for signs of something amiss. "Has someone been injured?"

Turning from the door as Gaius speaks, he shifts his feet slightly, almost as if being forced into an uncomfortable task. "I was wondering if Merlin had come to see you." Arthur says as he draws his hands behind his back.

"Why would he?" Gaius asks with a critical lift of one eyebrow. "What's happened?" He asks as he maneuvers around the Prince to reach his door. Without waiting for an answer, the Physician enters the room and quickly scans for some evidence that Merlin had or was in his chambers.

"Could he be in his old room?" Arthur asks as he looks over the Physician's shoulder.

"You're welcome to check anywhere you like." Gaius says as he steps out of the Prince's way. Frowning deeply as he watches Arthur hurry up the stairs, he adds, "And while you check, perhaps you could tell me what's happened."

"Merlin mentioned his desire to register magical skills." Arthur says as a look of disappointment washes over his face upon finding Merlin's old room empty.

"And?" Gaius asks a bit more forceful than he probably should.

"I may have said a few things that might have not been received too well." Arthur admitted as he diverts his gaze from the Physician's.

"What exactly were these few things?" Gaius asks firmly as one brow lowers and the other raises a little higher. "Merlin was apprehensive about bringing it up, so he would be grievously wounded at any rejection on your part."

"You have to understand Gaius, this was the first mention he's had about magic," Arthur says weakly defending himself. "I'm sure if I had looked hard enough I'd have seen some hint of it but there's never been any reason to do so. He's always been so open with me, why wouldn't he have said something before?"

"What did you say, Arthur?" Gaius demands in a low voice that clearly feared the worst. Taking a step closer to the Crown Prince as he takes a last step off the steps that lead upward into upper room, the Physician draws his hands together to keep his appearance of calm.

"I asked him if he had helped Agatha and the Sorcerer's who had …" Arthur says but is interrupted before he could finish.

"Of all the foolish things that you could say, Sire," Gaius says with a raised voice filled with frustration. "You know what that boy went through, you know what was done, and the only thing that really got him through was you. How could you have done that to him."

"What was I supposed to think when he told me he had powers?" Arthur snaps back hotly though his words are riddled with guilt. "He can do enchantments? He can do offensive and defensive spells. He could have stopped it all, but he didn't."

"Forgive me, Sire, but I have to say you're an idiot!" Gaius shouts, blowing out a deep breath to gather up his thoughts and his temper, "Do you recall the medal collar he had around his neck? The same collar that resulted in blisters and raw sores at all points in which it touched."

"Vaguely," The Prince says in a lower voice as if suspecting he was about to find out something that he wasn't going to like.

"That collar blocked his magic." Gaius says flatly, "He was completely helpless and even so, as evident from the intensive blistering and sores, his magic tried to escape to help."

At that, the Prince drops to sit on the steps he had just descended. "I didn't know."

"What's done is done," Gaius says unhappily. "And thankfully, it's in your favor that Merlin is a gentle and forgiving soul. Even so, he's likely hurting now, so there's little chance that you'll find Merlin before he wants to be found." The Physician says with a deep sigh. "You might as well press on with your duties or you'll end up drawing more attention than can be managed at this point."

"I do love him," Arthur says looking up from his perch on the steps like a lost puppy. "I really didn't mean to hurt him."

"I know, and I'm sure he'll come to realize that as well." Gaius says a bit softer.

When he had run from the chambers shared with Arthur, Merlin had run without direction or intended destination. He just needed to get away. He hadn't been prepared for Arthur's reaction, and he hadn't been ready for the feelings of guilt. Finding himself in a little used corridor, the Warlock had ducked into an empty guest suite to avoid contact with anyone and everyone.

Firmly closing the door and locking it, Merlin moves into the room and wraps his arms around his upper body. A flicker of light catches his eyes and he looks up to find himself staring into a dressing mirror. Pain, betrayal, abandonment, all radiated outward in the reflection. Few had the power to inflict that sort of pain upon the Warlock. "How could he believe such things of me?" He asks the reflection, as if expecting some answer. Hanging his head and looking away from the reflection, he frowns deeper, "Is he right? Could I have prevented any of it?"

Rubbing his upper arm to ward off a chill brought on by the unanswered question, Merlin sighs heavily. It had been his secrets that had caused the pain as much as it had been Arthur's words. There was so much still unsaid. In the beginning it had been a fear of death that kept the secrets. Uther had been rather regular in his reminders about what was done to anyone caught wielding magic. Shivering slightly the Warlock was sure that the only unknown had been the method of execution.

Chewing on his lip, Merlin considered the events of the past year. He and Arthur had shared so much this year. Without question, much had changed and while the fear of death was further away from his thoughts, loosing Arthur was worse than death itself. Moving further into the room, the Warlock reaches the bed and falls into it face first. Pain swelled in his chest as if someone had reached inside and was squeezing his heart in an attempt to keep it from beating. "Oh Arthur I've made such a mess of things," He mutters as the first of the tears begin to fall.

Memories of their captivity at the hands of Agatha's friends begin to flash through the Merlin's mind. The hopelessness caused by his blocked magic, the overwhelming fear of what was happening, added with the knowledge of what was to come, rushed back with a different perspective. The horror and the pain that he'd suffered resurfaced as Arthur's words repeated cruelly in his mind. There was no denying, he had gained a child, Arthur was now his spouse, and Uthur had partially lifted the ban on magic. Did he help the sorcerers with their enchantments? No, he'd been unable to prevent anything that happened and yet his spouse's words made him feel as if he should have tried harder or managed something.

There was a good bit to think about.

As the sun begins its decent into the western horizon, Merlin emerges from hiding. Having worked his way through the emotions, and injured feelings, the dark haired young man shows a rough physical aftermath as a result. His eyes are red and his expression drawn tight. Small tremors can be seen in his hands and at his neck, as if his movement is forced. The bounce in his step and the ever present smile is gone, and as he approaches the chambers shared with the Prince he almost looks as if he's walking the last steps to his doom.

Opening the main door and stepping inside is clearly difficult for Merlin, and he swallows hard as he turns to close the door.

"I'm sorry," Arthur says as he rises to his feet. "I am so sorry and I wish I could take back what I said. It was not my intent to hurt you."

Resting his head against the door, Merlin closes his eyes so to focus on the effort to breath. "Don't. I should have told you sooner." is all he can manage. Turning, he glances around the rooms in search of their child. Only when he finds the infant missing does he turn to look at Arthur. "Where's William."

"I've asked Teresa to keep him for the night." Arthur says as he crosses the room to stand beside his spouse. "Merlin, we need to talk. I us to be alright." The Prince reaches out as if to take Merlin in his arms but before that can happen, the dark haired young man steps aside.

"I'm fine." Merlin says taking several steps before turning back to look at Arthur. "You had every right to doubt me. I've kept secrets from you and I can't expect you to trust me when I knowingly kept my magic from you."

"You never have and never would hurt me Merlin, regardless of what you've kept from me." Arthur says looking directly into Merlin's eyes. "With or without magic, I trust you with my life and the life of our son." The Prince closes the distance between them, and quickly takes hold of the other man's shoulders. "I reacted with anger and in my ignorance I assumed that you could have prevented what was done to us."

Looking away, Merlin makes to turn and break free. "I would have." The Warlock mutters in a low voice. "Arthur, please I cannot bear to talk about this right now. Give me a little time and I'll tell you everything."

"Then just listen." Arthur says, reaching up to grasp Merlin's chin so that he can lightly force their gazes to meet. "People in love sometimes find themselves at odds with each other, and if their love is strong enough they forgive stupid mistakes or they can work through their disagreements. I know you love me." Tilting his head slightly so to look up into Merlin's eyes he smiles a little, "You do love me, don't you?"

"Never doubt that." Merlin says holding Arthur's gaze.

"Will you consider forgiving me for a stupid mistake?" The Prince asks softly as his eyes seem to beg for forgiveness. "And I promise to listen with an open mind to anything you might need to tell me.'

Sliding his hands up Arthur's chest until they gently frame the Prince's face, Merlin whispers "I can forgive you anything," Merlin says as he leans forward to lightly brush his lips against Arthur's.

Just as arms wrap possessively around each other, and their kiss deepens to sooth away their discord, the alarm sounds. In the midst of the alarm an unearthly howl sounds in background of the alarm.

Arthur is first to pull away. Looking to the window he hesitates only a moment before fully releasing his spouse. "Help me with my armor," he asks as he pulls on his thick undercoat and quickly ties it.

Merlin rushes for the armor allowing the years of experience to guide his hand as he prepares the Prince's armor. Gathering up the chain mail from neck to hem, he moves to stand before Arthur with the armor raised and ready. "You heard the howl? I've been having dreams of a beast called a barghest. It is a massive goblin dog, but it can take other forms." The Prince ducks down only to slip his head through the neck opening and his arms though the sleeves. Once Arthur is in position, the Warlock drops the armor over his waiting shoulders. "It has no specific magical abilities other than the size and strength such as a griffin or a small dragon." In mere minutes the chain mail is smoothed out and Merlin steps forward to apply bracers and shoulder plates, buckling with a swiftness that comes with practice.

"If that's what the alarm is about then what you've said sounds straight forward." Arthur says checking his bracers and then is sword.

"I'm going with you." Merlin says as Arthur straps his belt firmly at his waist.

"I'd rather you stay here and keep William safe." Arthur commands with the last tug to his belt.

"Arthur, he's with his nurse, he's safe. Let me come with you." Merlin pleads quietly. "If I am right and this is a magical beast, then I can help."

Clearly not pleased, Arthur eyes Merlin carefully and then releases a breath of frustration. "Just stay behind me," the Prince says finally in acceptance, "Do whatever you do at a distance, and at least bring a sword."

"I'll do as I normally do, though I will try to not drop my sword." Merlin says with the first genuine smile since their earlier disagreement.