Title: Should he come to harm, your life is forfeit

Disclaimer: Me no own, You no sue.

Warning: Character death, language, slash.

Note: bold italics is flashbacks

Note2: Dedicated to Vuurvlieg, who wanted something darker.

Note3: I edited chapter four... I apologize for EVERYTHING that was wrong with it. And that was a lot.

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Chapter five: alternate ending

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Arthur frowns down at Merlin as he pulls the boy close.

"Are you sure?"

Merlin nods, wiping at his face angrily.

"I'll take care of it," Arthur says. "You don't have to watch."

"Thank you," is all Merlin can say and he leans his forehead against Arthur's, feeling the King's crown press into his skin.

Your heart leapt to your throat and the icy claws of fear wrapped around your heart and squeezed.

Shocked silence filled the throne room and you chanced a glance up at Arthur – the king only raised an eyebrow at Merlin but said nothing.

No one said anything.

No one moved.

There was nothing on Merlin's face as very suddenly whirled on you, all of his anger finally coming to the surface.

"Dammit, Gwaine," he snarled as he quickly advanced on you. "Out of everything that was said, everything that was done – your words and your actions were the ones that hurt the most."

Then there was something cold and hungry that ghosted against the back of your neck and crawled up your arms, settling in your bones and making you tremble.

"You were the biggest disappointment of all."

Then that cold and hungry thing latched itself onto your heart and squeezed.

Merlin remembered that first night back with Arthur – Arthur's I'm-in-love-with-Gwen charade dropped as he enfolded his sorcerer into his arms, spitting dark promises of vengeance and blood as soon as he heard the full story.

Once his anger had settled, Arthur had just held Merlin against his chest, pressing feather-light kisses on his cheeks and temple and telling him over and over that he was safe now.

"I'm sorry," you whispered, choking on the words. "I'm sorry for the things I said, the things I did. And most of all, I'm sorry for what could've happened. I'm sorry that, if the Lamia had only asked, I would've killed you. Please, Merlin, forgive me."

"It's almost over," Arthur says, pulling away and kissing Merlin on the forehead once more. "I have to go. You don't have to watch, but I do."

Merlin grimaces and leaves the throne room.

"You would dare ask for forgiveness?" Merlin shouted.

Arthur stood on the balcony, silently watching as Gwaine was led out before the crowds.

"You were supposed to be there! You were supposed to protect me! Instead you left me to the fucking wolves!"

Gwaine said nothing as he was shoved to his knees.

You didn't hear Arthur send Leon to the dungeons and banish Percival and Elyan.

You didn't hear Arthur sentence you.

You didn't even notice as the guards dragged you down to the courtyard.

Arthur didn't even flinch as the executioner's axe slammed down.

And that night, when Arthur held Merlin, he whispered,

"It's over."

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End.